37 cattle dead following truck overturn near Blythe
A truck hauling 138 cows overturned near Blythe late Monday morning, killing 37 of the animals and leading to a shutdown of local roads.
The crash happened just before 11:30 a.m. on state Route 78 near Ludy Boulevard, just south of the Blythe city limits, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The truck hauling the cattle overturned, leading CHP to shut down portions of the highway. They cattle described as 400 to 500-pound dairy replacement heifers, while county animal control officers and local ranchers were called in to help herd the livestock.
Though no people were injured in the crash, 37 cattle died, according to John Welsh of the county’s Department of Animal Services. They were described as 400 to 500-pound dairy replacement heifers.
As of 4 p.m., crews were still on scene rounding up live cattle, while the owner of the hauling company was called in to pick up and remove the dead, Welsh said.
CHP Officer Jason Girard said motorists should avoid state Route 78 if possible, though a detour was available for drivers to take Rannells Boulevard and 35th Avenue in order to bypass the crash.
The cause of the crash remained under investigation. Riverside County Animal Control Commander Chris Mayer singled out Lt. Oliver White and Officer Justin Mays for their efforts in using ropes to craft more than 100 temporary corrals in order to round up the loose livestock.
“We’re very fortunate to have someone with Oliver’s and Justin’s skills when something of this magnitude happens,” Mayer said. “The Blythe Animal Shelter crew are the true cowboys in our department. They’re invaluable.”
