Broken Trailer causes Cattle Stampede, Major Traffic Woes in Houston
Monday morning traffic turned chaotic on Interstate 45 in Houston as 31 escaped cattle roamed the highway, creating a spectacle and severe disruptions. The cattle, which were being transported from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, burst onto the highway when their trailer's door came undone.
KPRC-TV footage showed a frenetic scene as the animals dodged between vehicles, with local police and animal handlers in pursuit. The incident led to significant traffic delays, with multiple lanes closed to manage the situation.
During the chaos, one cow was struck by a vehicle, which then overturned. "At least one of the animals was hit by a car, causing the vehicle to overturn," authorities confirmed. The condition of those in the overturned vehicle remains unclear.
By midday, most of the cattle were corralled, but traffic was affected for several miles along I-45 as authorities and handlers worked to ensure all animals were safely recovered. The remaining loose cattle posed a continued risk as efforts to secure them persisted into the afternoon.
This incident sheds light on the critical need for proper transport measures for livestock and the rapid response required by authorities to manage such unexpected road emergencies.
The community's patience and cooperation were crucial as efforts unfolded to resolve the traffic and ensure public and animal safety on one of Houston's busiest highways.