HELENA – Two semi-trucks hauling cattle in livestock trailers were involved in a crash around 11:00 a.m. on the southbound lane of I-15 near the Gates of the Mountains turn off.
When law enforcement arrived several cows had escaped from one of the trailers and were on the interstate.
Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) say ultimately the vehicles were traveling too fast for the road conditions and one truck rear-ended the other.
“With snowpack and icy roads we need to all slow down and take care. Leave ourselves enough time to get where we’re going so that we don’t have to rush and we can just get there safely,” said MHP Srgt. Alex Betz.
Traffic was restricted to one lane southbound and all escaped cattle were rounded up by a combination of MHP, Lewis and Clark County deputies and the drivers of the semis.
No people were injured in the incident but 3 cows died due to their injuries.
MHP urges drivers to be mindful of changing driving conditions and always give enough follow room in case a sudden stop is needed.
