Escaped Cows Cause Traffic Chaos on New York State Thruway
BLASDELL, N.Y. — Traffic came to a near standstill on the New York State Thruway Monday morning after three cows escaped from a livestock trailer parked at Exit 56 near Buffalo. The trailer had been stopped on the shoulder of Interstate 90 due to a mechanical issue when the animals broke free, wandering into the busy highway and causing significant delays in both directions.
According to the New York State Police, the cows moved unpredictably between the roadway and the median, evading capture by police officers, their owners, and concerned bystanders who had stopped to assist. The ensuing chase slowed traffic to a crawl as motorists navigated cautiously around the animals.
Two of the cows were quickly rounded up, but the third proved elusive, prolonging the disruption. Eventually, the owners secured the final animal, and all three were safely removed from the scene. Despite the resolution, the New York State Thruway Authority warned that traffic delays persisted for some time afterward as crews cleared the area.
Incidents involving livestock on highways are rare but can pose serious safety risks. The Federal Highway Administration notes that animals on roadways contribute to thousands of accidents annually, underscoring the importance of secure transport and rapid response.
Local authorities praised the quick coordination between state police, animal owners, and good Samaritans, which helped prevent injuries to both the animals and motorists. The mechanical failure that led to the trailer’s roadside stop is under investigation.
Motorists traveling through the Buffalo area are advised to check current traffic conditions via the New York State 511 Traffic Information system to avoid lingering congestion related to the incident.
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