Cattle hauler rollover on Interstate 80 near Spring Valley led to 2nd crash

A truck-tractor cow hauler rolled over Thursday on Interstate 80 near the Spring Valley exit, leading to an additional crash and causing the interstate to be closed in both directions.

The two occupants of the semi were uninjured but reported that they were missing cattle, according to Spring Valley Fire Department news release on Friday.

About a quarter mile in the other direction, another semi traveling in the opposite direction swerved to miss a cow and rolled over blocking both lanes of traffic. The driver of the second semi had to be extricated by fire and EMS crews. Both eastbound and westbound traffic was stopped while the cleanup began and personnel tried to locate and bring in the rest of the cows that escaped.

Local cattle farmers were called in to assist with trailers and corrals to help catch the cattle.

Spring Valley Fire Department, Ladd Fire Protection District, 10/33 Ambulance, Cherry Fire Protection District, Peru Fire Department and Bureau County Emergency Management Agency responded along with Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and local police.

All 31 cattle were accounted for and moved away from the scene. One cow died in the second crash.

Both local dispatch centers, Illinois Valley Regional Dispatch and BueComm, assisted in getting the resources needed.

ExpandAutoplay

Image 1 of 4

A wrecker removes a semi truck that tipped over on its side on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, near the Spring Valley exit on Interstate 80 near Ladd. A cattle hauler tipped over allowing cows to roam on Interstate 80. (Scott Anderson)