MADRAS, OR (KPTV) -
Dozens of cows were killed in crashes with five different commercial trucks on Highway 97 near Madras Thursday night.
Oregon State Police said a large group of cattle were on a stretch of the highway at 11:45 p.m.
Nearly all of them were hit by the trucks traveling through the area.
Two of the trucks were badly damaged and had to be towed from the scene. The other three had minor damage, but could still be driven away.
Most of the cattle were killed at the scene and any remaining injured cows were put down by their owner.
Police and ODOT worked with the owners to clear the highway. It was partially closed in both directions for several hours.
Police said this stretch of Highway 97 is open range where livestock may be permitted to run at large.
Investigators believe the cattle broke through a fence accessing the highway.
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