Cows block traffic for 30 miles on Florida’s Turnpike in Osceola County

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – You could say it was a mooooving violation on Florida’s Turnpike.

A herd of up to 70 cows were let out of a burning trailer on the Florida Turnpike in Osceola County late Monday morning, blocking traffic for miles near the Canoe Creek Service Plaza, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

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According to the FHP, a 47-year-old Alabama cattle hauler driver said his semi caught fire, prompting him to pull over. The driver opened the cattle trailer door, allowing the animals to escape smoke and flames, troopers said.

Traffic was backed up northbound for more than 30 miles. Northbound and southbound lanes have been opened and closed throughout the incident before officially reopening around 3:37 p.m., hours after the fire first started.

“Mounted responders are searching for any loose cattle that may have made their way into the woods,” officials from the Florida Turnpike account tweeted earlier.

Troopers said the driver was not injured and remained at the scene. The cattle hauler, which troopers said was carrying about 70 cows before igniting, was towed from the scene, the FHP said.

Northbound traffic was diverted to State Road 60, while southbound traffic was diverted to exit at mile marker 244, troopers said.

All but one cow has been recovered, which troopers said is still on scene at the right shoulder of the road.

This case remains under investigation.

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This is a developing Story. Check back for more details.