Escaped cows roam Kansas City highway after trailer plunged from Missouri overpass, killing dozens of cattle
Crash Sends Cattle Into Streets
The semitractor-trailer plunged from a highway overpass in downtown Kansas City early Sunday and landed on a car. The crash shut down some roads as cattle spilled onto a nearby street.
The truck driver and the driver of the car sustained minor injuries, according to the report. Both were treated at local hospitals.
Escaped Animals Prompt Search
Dozens of cows fled the crash site. Their movements led to other crashes and further calls to police from members of the public. Some cattle traveled several miles before they were caught, Kansas City Fire Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins said. City authorities first used drones to track the animals.
Workers Help Round Up Cattle
A private company worked with the trucking company to help recover the cattle. Its workers arrived on horseback and joined the effort, Hopkins said. The crash happened on the day the Kansas City Chiefs hosted the Los Angeles Chargers in an NFL game. Authorities did not expect major game-traffic disruptions because the incident had received wide publicity.
Key points
- A semitractor-trailer fell from a downtown Kansas City overpass onto a car early Sunday.
- The drivers of the truck and car had minor injuries and were treated at hospitals.
- Escaped cattle prompted more crashes and calls to police; some traveled several miles.
- Authorities used drones, then horseback workers helped capture surviving cattle.