An early morning wreck on the Luverne Highway resulted in minor injuries to one driver, and the fatality of one of Alabama's burgeoning deer herd.

According to Alabama State Trooper Chris Stanton, the wreck that involved two 18-wheelers occurred when the first truck struck an eight-point buck, and the second truck ran into the back of the first.

The wreck occurred about 5:49 a.m. Wednesday, according to the Troy Police Department, which received the call. At 5:50 a.m. rescue units from the Troy Fire Department were dispatched to the scene.

Larry Smith, safety director for MSJ Trucking of Opp, said when his company's truck hit the deer, it "tore loose" air lines on the trailer causing the rig to stop in the highway.

"We had flares out and were flagging traffic, but the second truck couldn't stop in time," Smith said.

The second truck, owned by EK Trucking of Chance and Lower Peachtree came over a hilltop near mile marker 160, and struck the stopped truck, Smith said.

The driver of the EK Trucking rig, who had his foot trapped in the wreckage, had to be extricated by firemen, Stanton said.

The driver, whose name was not available, was transported to Troy Regional Medical Center. His status was unknown, but sheriff's deputies on the scene said the driver "walked away" from the wreckage once he was freed.

MSJ Trucking operates 60 trucks and 30 leased trucks and has a satisfactory rating from the U.S. DOT, Smith said.