ASHEBORO, N.C. (AP) — Hundreds of chickens have been killed when a tractor trailer rig flipped over in Randolph County.

WFMY-TV reported (http://bit.ly/qGjLKb ) the truck driver escaped injury in the wreck about midday Wednesday.

The Highway Patrol says 44-year-old Roy Lee Boykin was taking the chickens to a processing plant in Roberson County when he was trying to merge onto U.S. Highway 220.

The wreck forced officials to close the intersection while they cleaned up the wreckage and the birds.

Boykin was given a ticket for exceeding a safe speed.

___

Information from: WFMY-TV, http://www.wfmynews2.com/