Traffic officers were forced to block off the expressway so that none of the chicks would be smushed by cars, The People's Daily Online reported.

The furry collision caused congestion down the road for several miles. 

While there were some small casualties at the collision, surprisingly, the majority of the little mites survived the ordeal.

Unfortunately, the few moments of sweet freedom they enjoyed did not last.  

Those that lived to survive the tale won't have done so for very long, as almost immediately scores of plucky local villagers arrived with bins, boxes and bags to claim some of the feathery bounty for themselves.

People scramble to collect chicks that escaped during crash

The cargo of chicks was reportedly worth around 50,000 Yuan (about £5,000).

While the number of birds pilfered in the accident has not yet been reported, similar incidents have resulted in significant losses to businesses in the past. 

Chicken is a popular foodstuff in China, and chicken feet are considered to be a delicacy.   

(dailymail.co.uk)