Up to 18 cows still on the run, 20 killed after semi overturns in Illinois

TUSCOLA, Ill. (WCIA) — After a semi-trailer hauling 67 cows rolled over on I-57 in Tuscola overnight, authorities and community members alike from Central Illinois have banded together to try and find the missing animals on the run.

According to State Police, possibly up to 18 cows are still loose, while around 20 were killed. At approximately 2:30 a.m. on Thursday, the truck-tractor hauling the cattle in a trailer rolled over, setting more than a dozen cows free to roam around both the northbound and southbound lanes. No people were hurt as a result of the accident.

One of those cows was hit by another semi-truck just 20 minutes after the crash near milepost 210.5. The lanes on I-57 northbound were shut down temporarily while authorities investigated and cleaned up the mess. Around 2:45 a.m., a veterinarian from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine was sent to the scene where she rendered aid.

All lanes were reopened for traffic around 9:13 a.m.

Other agencies helped to locate and recover some of the animals, including ISP Air Ops and multiple local farming operations.

Throughout the day, many community members have also joined in the search efforts — including some on horseback — to help wrangle the loose cows. In addition, a WCIA reporter on the scene used a drone to get a better view of the area and eventually spotted a cow on the run as it made it’s way through a cornfield.

State Police urge drivers to continue traveling with extra caution as it is possible some cattle are still loose in the Douglas County area.

This is a developing story. We will continue to provide updates as we learn more.

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