Three monkeys remain at large after truck crash in Mississippi released 21 primates from Tulane University research program allegedly funded by NIH, sparking public safety concerns.

Officials said the monkeys weigh about 40 pounds each, are aggressive toward humans and require personal protective equipment to handle.

Out of the 21 Rhesus monkeys in the overturned vehicle, thirteen have been recaptured, five are dead and three are still missing.

But in the days since the monkeys escaped, authorities have left questions about the crash largely unanswered. It's still unclear where the monkeys were headed and why some of them had to be killed, and the agencies involved have largely shut out attempts to get more information.

Monkeys believed to be on the loose in Mississippi after a vehicle accident are not carrying diseases, contrary to earlier reports from public officials. Social media posts by the Jasper County Sheriff's Department had warned people to stay away from them, saying they were dangerous and disease ridden.

In the week that's passed since the crash involving 21 monkeys in Jasper County, WDAM 7 has obtained new details about the crash and what followed.

A truck transporting monkeys from Tulane University overturned on I-59 near Heidelberg, with several monkeys reportedly on the loose posing health risks.

:A spokesperson for Tulane confirms they were not consulted regarding the destruction of the monkeys. They also released this updated statement:Non-human

Three other rhesus monkeys were still on the loose as of Wednesday after the truck carrying them rolled over on a highway in Mississippi, law enforcement officials said.