LAST UPDATE | 16 May 2025

NORTHERN IRELAND’S M1 motorway has been fully reopened after a lorry containing dozens of cattle overturned.

At least 40 cattle were in the vehicle when it overturned on the busy road between Belfast and Dungannon.

Firefighters, members of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and specialist animal rescue teams attended this scene this morning.

A number of the animals had to be humanely euthanised due to their injuries, a police spokesperson confirmed. The driver of the incident suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital.

David Doherty, area commander at the Northern Ireland Fire Service, told BCC Radio Ulster’s The Nolan Show today that the driver was safe and well, but was taken to hospital.

He could not say how the event happened. Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said that two emergency crews were dispatched to the incident.

Police are appealing for any potential witness to come forward and have requested that those with dashcam video make the footage available to officers.

Members of the public have been thanked for their patience today by emergency services.

Includes reporting by Muiris Ó Cearbhaill