The Houston metro area faced an unusual traffic disruption on Monday as several steers escaped onto Interstate 45 (I-45). This incident led to significant traffic delays, a vehicle crash, and a multi-agency effort to wrangle the animals. The escape occurred near SH 99, causing both northbound and southbound lanes to experience temporary shutdowns. This article provides a detailed overview of the incident, the response, and the current status of the escaped steers.
The presence of loose cattle on a major highway not only poses a risk to drivers but also highlights the challenges of transporting livestock through urban areas. Quick response and coordinated efforts were crucial in minimizing the potential for further accidents and ensuring the safety of both the animals and the public. As of the latest updates, five of the six steers have been captured, but the search continues for the remaining one.
Steers Cause Chaos on I-45
On Monday, March 24, 2025, at approximately 11:30 a.m., the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) received reports of multiple steers running loose on I-45 near SH 99 in north Houston. According to officials, the incident occurred when the gate of a trailer carrying 31 roping steers inadvertently came unlatched, allowing six of the animals to escape. This unexpected event quickly turned a regular Monday into a chaotic scene for commuters and authorities alike.
The immediate aftermath saw traffic grinding to a halt as the steers roamed freely across the highway. SkyFOX, the aerial news unit, captured live footage of the animals running through the lanes while multiple law enforcement agencies mobilized to contain the situation. The HCSO, along with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and Harris County Pct. 4 Constable’s Office, collaborated to wrangle the escaped cattle and restore order to the affected area.
The situation was further complicated when one of the steers was struck by a vehicle, leading to an accident that overturned the vehicle. This incident underscored the dangers posed by the loose animals and the urgency required in managing the situation. Despite the challenges, authorities worked diligently to secure the area and prevent additional accidents.
Multi-Agency Response to Wrangle Steers
The effort to capture the escaped steers involved a coordinated response from several law enforcement agencies. Officers from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and Harris County Pct. 4 Constable’s Office worked together to corral the animals. The use of multiple agencies ensured a comprehensive approach, with officers strategically positioned to guide the steers away from traffic and towards safer areas.
SkyFOX provided crucial aerial support, allowing authorities to track the movements of the steers and coordinate their ground efforts more effectively. The live footage helped in assessing the situation and deploying resources to the areas where the steers were most active. This real-time information was invaluable in minimizing the disruption to traffic and preventing further incidents.
As the wrangling efforts progressed, authorities managed to capture five of the six escaped steers. These animals were secured and transported to a safe location, reducing the immediate threat to public safety. However, the search continued for the remaining steer, with agencies maintaining a presence in the area to ensure its eventual capture.
Traffic Disruption and Safety Measures
The escape of the steers onto I-45 caused significant traffic disruptions, with both northbound and southbound lanes experiencing temporary closures. The presence of the animals on the highway created a hazardous environment for drivers, leading to considerable delays and congestion. Authorities worked to reroute traffic and clear the affected areas as quickly as possible.
To mitigate the risks, drivers were advised to proceed with caution in the area. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office issued warnings to motorists, urging them to reduce their speed and remain vigilant for any unexpected movements by the animals. These safety measures were essential in preventing further accidents and ensuring the well-being of all commuters.
The overturned vehicle, resulting from a collision with one of the steers, served as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by such incidents. Emergency services were promptly dispatched to the scene to provide medical assistance and clear the wreckage. This incident highlighted the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Ongoing Search for Remaining Steer
As of the latest reports, five of the six escaped steers have been successfully captured and secured. However, the search continues for the remaining steer, which is still at large. Authorities are maintaining a presence in the area and utilizing various resources to track and capture the animal.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies are coordinating their efforts to ensure the safe capture of the remaining steer. They are employing strategies to minimize disruption to traffic while maximizing their chances of locating the animal. The public is urged to report any sightings of the steer to the authorities to assist in the ongoing search.
The successful capture of the remaining steer will mark the end of this unusual incident and restore normalcy to the affected area. Authorities remain committed to resolving the situation as quickly and safely as possible, ensuring the well-being of both the animal and the public.
Source of Information
The information in this article comes from Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, HCSO Lt. Chris Adolph, Harris County Pct. 4 Constable’s Office and HCSO Lt. Terry Garza.
Key Takeaways and Implications
The incident involving escaped steers on I-45 underscores the challenges of managing livestock transportation in urban areas. The event highlights the importance of secure trailer gates and the potential consequences of their failure. Quick response and coordinated efforts from multiple law enforcement agencies were crucial in mitigating the risks and minimizing the disruption to traffic. While five of the six steers have been captured, the ongoing search for the remaining one emphasizes the need for continued vigilance.
The incident also serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by animals on major highways. The vehicle crash involving one of the steers highlights the need for drivers to remain alert and cautious, especially in areas where livestock transportation is common. Proactive measures, such as regular inspections of trailer gates and adherence to safety protocols, can help prevent similar incidents in the future.
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