DeSoto Parish: I-49 Shut Down by Loose Cattle
For most of this morning, Tuesday, July 22, I-49 has been completely shut down through most of DeSoto Parish.
However, in an update from the DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Department, we have discovered there is good news and bad news in regards to this situation.
For those unaware, in the early morning hours, an eighteen wheeler loaded with cattle overturned and many of the cows escaped the trailer and became extremely hazardous to all drivers in this area of I-49.
Keeping safety paramount, authorities have entirely closed a huge section of I-49 from the southbound side at LA 175 and northbound from LA 509.
Law enforcement has worked diligently to recapture all the cattle that escaped but at this writing there are still approximately 18 of these cattle yet to be caught. That's the bad news from the DeSoto Sheriff's Department.
The good news from the DPSO is that, thankfully there have been no major injuries from any accidents caused by these cattle.
According to the update from DPSO, "At this hour there remains about 18 cattle still unaccounted for on I-49 before and after the Relay Station. DPSO has all hands on deck, with Patrol and Reserves both attempting to wrangle cattle and direct traffic. There have been other accidents between vehicles and cows, but thus far no major injuries reported. We are asking the public to avoid I49 until the area can be cleared. Cattle are unpredictable near roadways, and we have also contacted KCS due to cattle being on or near the railroad tracks. DOTD is also setting up signs regarding loose livestock. Please be patient as we attempt to get the area safely reopened."
Hopefully, the next update will indicate that this section of I-49 has been reopened and everything is back to normal.