Cabool, MO (September 3, 2025) – Emergency responders in Texas County were dispatched Monday evening to a multi-vehicle accident involving a cow on US-63, approximately 2.5 miles north of Cabool. The unusual sequence of events led to one person sustaining injuries.
The crash occurred around 8:20 p.m. when a northbound 1998 Chevrolet Blazer, driven by an 18-year-old male from West Plains, struck a cow that had wandered into the roadway. Moments later, a southbound 2023 Hyundai Elantra, operated by a 20-year-old female from Houston, also collided with the same animal. A third vehicle, a 2004 Ford F250 pulling a boat trailer, swerved to avoid the Elantra, causing the boat to detach from the trailer and come off into the roadway.
The driver of the Hyundai Elantra suffered minor injuries in the crash and was transported by private vehicle to Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston for evaluation. The driver of the Chevrolet Blazer was unharmed but his vehicle sustained moderate damage and had to be towed. The Ford F250 sustained no damage and was driven from the scene.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol, Troop G, is handling the investigation. While no charges have been announced, officials are working to determine how the cow entered the roadway and whether any livestock containment laws were violated.
We extend our best wishes for a full and speedy recovery to the injured driver as she receives medical care and support.
Animal-Related Crashes in Missouri
Crashes involving livestock on public roads are rare but dangerous—and Monday night’s incident near Cabool highlights how quickly these situations can escalate. In this case, a cow in the roadway triggered a chain-reaction crash involving three vehicles, including a detached boat that became an additional hazard.
Missouri, particularly in rural counties like Texas, has long dealt with the risk of animals straying onto highways. Local ordinances and state laws place responsibility on livestock owners to properly fence and contain their animals, especially near major roads like US-63. Still, enforcement and visibility challenges mean that accidents like this can and do occur.
This crash underscores two key risks: limited visibility during evening hours and the high speeds typically associated with rural highways. Drivers may have little to no time to react when an animal appears unexpectedly. In this case, both the Blazer and Elantra drivers struck the cow before the third vehicle swerved—showing how even cautious drivers can find themselves in unavoidable collisions under such circumstances.
For the injured driver, even minor injuries can lead to lasting effects, including medical bills, transportation issues, and emotional stress. Incidents involving livestock also introduce legal complexities, especially when it comes to determining liability. These cases may require thorough investigation to identify who, if anyone, is responsible for the animal being on the road.
Being aware of rural driving risks—especially in livestock-heavy counties—can help reduce future accidents. Still, not all hazards are avoidable. That’s why it’s important for injured individuals and their families to understand their rights and resources in the wake of a crash.
If you’ve been hurt in an unusual or complex traffic accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Local Accident Reports connects victims with support services, whether you need legal options, medical direction, or help navigating next steps. Start your path to recovery—reach out to Local Accident Reports today for trusted guidance and real-time assistance.
