A ROAD train driver escaped injury when his trailers rolled north of Tennant Creek on Sunday.
However the accident brought an abrupt end to an overseas journey for several cattle bound for live export.
Fifteen cattle out of two trailer loads had to be destroyed by a livestock inspector.
The road train was part of a three-truck convoy carrying cattle from Brunette Downs Station to Darwin.
Police said the trailer wheels hit the dirt as the driver travelled down hill and veered right.
The road verge had eroded causing the trailers to roll.
The accident happened at about 2pm, 43 kilometres north of Threeways.