LAKE COUNTY — A big rig trailer overturned on Highway 20, blocking the westbound lane at 6:25. p.m. Tuesday. The driver, Paul DeOrro, was attempting to turn out of an embankment on the westbound side of the road, when the rearmost trailer, which contained cows, turned over on its side, DeOrro said. The truck struck the embankment causing the trailer to tip.
The crash occurred about six miles east of the Highway 53 Cutoff, Matia Moore, California Highway Patrol (CHP) public safety dispatch officer, said.
DeOrro said eight cows escaped from a tear in the top of the aluminum trailer. The Jersey breed dairy cows were being taken from Ferndale to Orland for grazing. There were no observable injuries to the cattle remaining in the trailer. The missing livestock will have to be located by dogs. Following the crash the cows in the overturned trailer began walking through a hole in the top and up onto a nearby embankment.
“Cattle are difficult cargo,” DeOrro said. “I”ve got my own logging truck. I think I”m going to go back to logging.”
Pope Valley Repair and Towing worked to pull the trailer upright late Tuesday night as some of the remaining 38 cows shuffled around inside the trailer.
Three CHP officers responded. There were no injuries, according to CHP Officer Adam Garcia.
