Cows get loose on freeway in overnight Roseville crash
Driver lost control of trailer, hit guardrail
A driver hauling a cattle trailer lost control on Interstate 80 Thursday morning, striking a guardrail that resulted in the cows becoming loose on the freeway.
The driver told the California Highway Patrol he swerved his pickup and fifth-wheel trailer to miss something in the road at about 2 a.m. when he lost control.
Watch report here: Cows loose on freeway in overnight trailer crash
The trailer swung off of the road and struck the end of a guardrail.
Parts of the rail pierced through a side door of the trailer, injuring some of the cows inside and throwing others onto the freeway.
At least one cow was hit by a passing vehicle.
Some cows were killed instantly while others suffering from severe injuries were euthanized at the crash scene.
Six cows out of more than 20 in the trailer were killed or euthanized as a result of the crash, according to the CHP.
Some of the cows were valued and more than $20,000, according to an officer who talked to the owners.
The freeway was closed while officers corralled the cattle on the side of the road and assisted the injured animals.
The driver was not injured in the crash.
All lanes of the freeway were reopened as of 4:30 a.m.
Caltrans crews said they would be out later to repair the damaged guardrail and asked for motorists to use caution around work crews.