'expensive Cargo': Semi Hauling Boxes Of Eggs Crashes On Oklahoma Interstate

OKLAHOMA (KNWA/KFTA) — The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) says a semitrailer hauling cases of eggs crashed Tuesday afternoon in the northeast part of the state as winter weather moved through the area.

In a social media post, OHP said the crash happened on Interstate 44 with minor injuries were reported, though extensive damage could be seen.

With egg prices continuing to rise, OHP noted that the eggs in the semitrailer were "expensive cargo."

"This crash happened today on the Will Rogers Turnpike," OHP posted Tuesday. "Fortunately, there were only minor injuries. But the semi was hauling eggs! Expensive cargo right now."

OHP said it had responded to nearly 300 accidents on Tuesday including more than 50 with injuries reported.

U.S. egg prices have skyrocketed as avian flu, also known as bird flu, has forced farmers to slaughter millions of chickens a month. 

The average price of a dozen Grade A eggs in U.S. cities reached $4.95 in January, eclipsing the previous record of $4.82 set two years earlier and more than double the low of $2.04 that was recorded in August 2023.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts prices will soar another 20 percent this year.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.