Advertisement

Pig carcasses fell onto I-75 in Sarasota and the Internet lost its mind

 
Fox 13 live streamed a video showing the aftermath of the gruesome pig-body spill on the I-75 in Sarasota. (Fox 13 via Facebook)
Fox 13 live streamed a video showing the aftermath of the gruesome pig-body spill on the I-75 in Sarasota. (Fox 13 via Facebook)
Published Nov. 16, 2016

A truck carrying dead pigs spilled part of its load on Interstate 75 in Sarasota this morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

At least four pig carcasses, which were not secured properly, splattered onto the roadway, creating a gruesome scene captured by WTVT-Ch. 13's helicopter camera. It also backed up traffic for miles starting around 8 a.m. as emergency crews worked to clean up the remains, blocking the northbound right and center lanes.

As the Fox 13 helicopter roamed overhead while streaming a live feed to Facebook, Floridians totally freaked out online.

We've all seen our share of "truck dropped X item on to roadway" stories go viral online, but pig bodies? That's new — and to some, pretty disgusting.

On Facebook, several shared the video with the expected "only in Florida" comment.

Others, some who even claimed to have seen the pigs fly, used the bizarre circumstance to crack a few jokes.

"Drove by right after they flew out the truck," wrote one Sarasota native. "Pigs do fly. REDNECK BBQ ROAD HEAT COOKOUT."

Another joked, "These are some perfectly good pieces of chicharrón," or fried pork belly. Meanwhile, someone else made a play on a favorite folk tale: "Oh boy, and this little piggy went wee wee wee all the way home ... SPLAT ...," she wrote. "Thank goodness the temps are cooler and they don't turn into bacon."

Others stuck in traffic near the scene were in horror and didn't see much humor.

Pigs all over I-75 north bound #sarasota @UncensoredRprt pic.twitter.com/zmCZuh2UYI

Troopers said the smell of the rotting meat is pungent and the road will need to be hosed off, but as of 10 a.m. they hoped traffic would soon be completely reopened.

Contact Sara DiNatale at sdinatale@tampabay.com Follow @sara_dinatale.