SAN ANTONIO -- Parts of two major freeways in Texas were shut down for more than seven hours Saturday after an 18-wheeler carrying cattle overturned.

The crash happened near the merger of Interstate 35 and Loop 410 on San Antonio's northeast side.

KSAT reported that the freeways were reopened, but it took more than seven hours.

Police said the driver was heading north on I-35 at about 10 a.m., and as he was taking the 410 south exit, his load of 87 cattle shifted, and he lost control.

Firefighters said they spent hours getting as many animals out as safely as possible.

"They're kicking, trying to get out. Obviously, they are in an uncomfortable situation right now, but the problem is that these trailers are compartmentalized, so we are having to cut door by door to get to them," Sgt. Mike Brown, of the San Antonio Police Department, said.

After the cows were unloaded, two large cranes were brought in to upright the 18-wheeler, Dodd reported.

Officials said of the 87 cows on board, 18 died in the crash.