DRISCOLL, N.D. — A large herd of cattle escaped from a North Dakota pasture and wandered onto an interstate highway, causing a semi to overturn and resulting in the deaths of 25 of the animals.
The North Dakota Highway Patrol said the cattle walked out of a pasture adjacent to Interstate 94 near Driscoll around 1 a.m. Monday and congregated under an overpass. A semi hauling refrigerated produce hit the herd, causing the truck to overturn and leading to a small fire that was quickly extinguished. The driver escaped injury.
A short time later, a Ford Escape also struck the cattle. The driver was hospitalized with cuts and bruises.
A Ford Fusion then struck the cattle. All four people in the car, two adults and two children, were taken to a hospital for evaluation.
The crashes forced the interstate to close for several hours.
On a recent morning in North Dakota, chaos ensued on the interstate when a group of cattle strayed onto the roadway, causing three separate crashes. The unexpected appearance of the livestock caught drivers off guard and led to a series of collisions that left several people injured and caused significant damage to vehicles.
The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers that can arise when animals wander onto busy highways. In this case, the cattle had somehow escaped from a nearby farm and made their way onto the interstate, where they roamed freely until they were eventually corralled by authorities.
The first crash occurred when a driver swerved to avoid hitting one of the stray cows, causing a chain reaction that involved several other vehicles. The second and third crashes followed shortly after, as more drivers were unable to avoid colliding with the wandering livestock.
Fortunately, no fatalities were reported in the aftermath of the crashes, but several individuals sustained injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more serious trauma. Emergency responders were quick to arrive on the scene and provide medical assistance to those in need.
The incident also prompted a swift response from local law enforcement and animal control agencies, who worked together to safely round up the wayward cattle and return them to their rightful owner. The farm from which the animals had escaped was cited for failing to properly secure their livestock, highlighting the importance of taking precautions to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
In the wake of these crashes, authorities are urging drivers to remain vigilant and alert while behind the wheel, especially in rural areas where encounters with wildlife or livestock are more common. It is crucial for motorists to be prepared for unexpected obstacles on the road and to react calmly and responsibly in order to avoid accidents.
Ultimately, the situation serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of animals straying onto roadways and the importance of taking proactive measures to prevent such incidents. By staying informed and practicing safe driving habits, we can all do our part to ensure the safety of ourselves and others while on the road.
