Cows on the Highway Cause Accident and Lead to Animal Deaths in North Dakota

In the early hours of Monday morning, a herd of cows escaped from a North Dakota pasture and wandered onto Interstate 94, resulting in a multi-vehicle accident and the death of 25 animals. The incident occurred near exit 190, close to Driscoll, around 1 a.m., according to a statement from the North Dakota State Highway Patrol.

The cows had gathered under an overpass on the interstate when they were hit by a semi-truck transporting refrigerated produce. The truck veered into the median and overturned, sparking a small fire that was quickly extinguished. The truck driver, 57-year-old Ewert Nel, was unharmed, thanks to his use of a seatbelt, authorities reported.

A second vehicle, a 2024 Ford Escape driven by 26-year-old Kaycee Anderson, also collided with the cattle. Anderson sustained minor injuries, including cuts and bruises, and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Another driver, 41-year-old Dina Diamanti, traveling west in a 2014 Ford Fusion, also struck the animals. Diamanti, along with a 20-year-old passenger and two teenagers in her car, were all transported to the hospital with potential minor injuries. Fortunately, all occupants had been wearing seatbelts.

The crash led to a temporary closure of both lanes of I-94. The westbound lane reopened after four hours, while the eastbound lane remained closed for about five hours.

Despite the severity of the crash, no charges will be filed against the drivers or the cattle “owner”, Gerald Schmidt. According to Sgt. Jeremiah Bohn of the North Dakota State Highway Patrol, the pasture’s fencing was properly maintained, but the cows were determined to escape. “Black cattle are nearly impossible to see at night,” Bohn explained, emphasizing the challenges of avoiding such incidents in low visibility conditions.

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