KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Police have reopened WB I-70 after a truck carrying cattle overturned on the interstate at 18th Street just before 4 a.m. on Friday. A section of I-70 was closed for several hours.
A total of 72 head of cattle were on board at the time of the accident. One cow was seen wandering along the interstate. Others remained in the vehicle. Some were injured, two were euthanized at the scene.
The driver and his wife suffered minor injuries. The driver’s wife was taken to the hospital with a broken collar-bone but is expected to be okay.
Police, firefighters, MoDOT and veterinarians responded to the scene. Metal gates — or panels — were brought in to help corral the animals after crews unloaded from the truck.
“Unfortunately, this looks like it will be shut down through all of rush hour and possibly beyond,” Kansas City Police Capt. Chris Sicoli said. “It’s unfortunate. We’re lucky no one was seriously hurt.”
Sicoli said the driver told officers the trailer was new and he had experienced some trouble with it. The driver added that the load may have shifted, contributing to the accident. Investigators continue to investigate the cause. The driver is expected to be charged with negligent driving.
Earlier in the week a truck carrying pigs overturned near Cameron, Mo. No one was injured in that accident and most of the hogs reportedly survived.
