Overturned 18-wheelers, cows close La. 30

Wandering cows escaped from a fenced-in pastureland near La. 30 in St. Gabriel early this morning (Thursday, Feb. 16), were hit by vehicles, causing closure of the highway, according to an Iberville Parish Sheriff’s report.

A pair of pickup trucks and an 18-wheeler reportedly hit and killed as many as 17 cows from the escaped herd sometime around 2 a.m. this morning.

The highway from La. 74 to Bayou Paul Lane was closed until the remainder of the cowherd was secured by 6:30 a.m. The roadway remained closed with the exception of school bus traffic, bringing students to Iberville Math, Science, Arts Academy East and East Iberville High/Middle/Elementary School in St. Gabriel.

After the school buses completed their routes, the road was closed again. Expectations were the highway would be reopened after the overturned 18-wheeler was up-righted and removed from a ditch were it rested after hitting the cattle.

The driver of the 18-wheeler was hospitalized.

The accident reportedly occurred near the St. Gabriel Police Dept. office, MSA East, and the Community Center.?