Stray Cows Cause 4 Accidents, Stop Traffic on Freeway

Traffic on the Simi Valley Freeway came to a halt in Simi Valley on Wednesday evening when cattle from a nearby ranch wandered into traffic lanes and caused at least four minor accidents, authorities said.

No injuries were reported in the accidents, which occurred about 6:45 p.m. near the Erringer Road interchange, said a California Highway Patrol spokeswoman.

CHP officers, assisted by a lasso-wielding rancher, helped round up the cattle, the spokeswoman said.

During the confusion, one of the cows was struck by a car but did not appear seriously hurt, she said. Traffic was halted for a time, but quickly resumed after the cattle were removed.