Cattle get loose on I-172 and cause accident

ADAMS COUNTY — Adams County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a traffic crash on Ill. 172 one mile south of Highway 96 early Tuesday morning that stopped traffic on the highway. 

Two vehicles, a white van and a dark colored SUV, were both traveling Northbound on Ill. 172 south of exit 10 when the vehicles encountered six black cows that were running southbound on the highway.  Both vehicles struck the cattle in the roadway. 

After striking the cattle, the SUV stayed on the roadway and the white van went off the road striking a fence owned by IDOT.  One driver reported a minor wrist injury and the other driver reported no injuries. Both declined to use an ambulance.

Both vehicles sustained major damage and were towed. 

The interstate was shut down for 45 minutes to remove debris and cattle carcasses from the roadway.  The cattle were removed by the owner and ISP assisted with traffic and removal of the cattle.

The highway was reopened to one lane and by 8:20 am, both northbound lanes were open.