Truck Carrying Dozens of Monkeys Crashes on Mississippi Highway — Primates Reportedly Aggressive, Some Still on the Loose
HEIDELBERG, MISSISSIPPI — Authorities in Jasper County, Mississippi, are working to locate several escaped monkeys after a truck transporting the animals to a research facility crashed along Interstate 59 on Tuesday morning. The wreck triggered a public scare after reports circulated that the monkeys may have been infected with multiple diseases — though officials now say those claims appear to be unfounded.
Truck Transporting Research Monkeys Crashes on I-59
According to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, the truck was carrying Rhesus macaque monkeys en route to a testing facility associated with Tulane University in New Orleans when it flipped near the town of Heidelberg. The monkeys, each weighing roughly 40 pounds, were described as “aggressive toward humans” and requiring protective equipment to handle safely. Initial reports stated that all of the monkeys escaped following the crash, with some later shot and killed by officials to prevent further danger.
Conflicting Reports on Possible Disease Exposure
Early statements from law enforcement claimed that the monkeys may have been infected with diseases such as herpes, hepatitis, and COVID, leading to heightened public concern. However, Tulane University later issued a formal statement refuting those claims. “The primates in question belong to another entity and are not infectious,” Tulane said. The university added that its Tulane National Biomedical Research Center provides animals to other research organizations “to advance scientific discovery,” and that a team of animal care experts was sent to assist local authorities in managing the situation.
Officials Continue Search for Escaped Primates
As of late Tuesday, law enforcement officials confirmed that “several monkeys” remain unaccounted for. Authorities have warned residents not to approach any monkeys seen near the crash site and to report sightings immediately. While the animals were reportedly aggressive, there have been no confirmed injuries to drivers or first responders at the scene. Officials said the wrecked transport truck is being removed as investigators work to determine what caused the crash.
Public Advised to Remain Cautious
Residents in the Heidelberg area have been asked to avoid wooded zones near the interstate until the search concludes. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife and local animal control teams have joined the effort to capture the remaining monkeys safely. Despite Tulane’s clarification, health officials remind the public that contact with non-human primates should always be avoided unless handled by trained professionals.
The unusual incident has quickly gone viral online, with social media users comparing it to a scene from Planet of the Apes. Officials say they expect the search to conclude within days once all primates are accounted for.
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