Motorists expecting a regular commute on Interstate 840 in Williamson County were met with an unexpected hold-up Monday afternoon after a trailer carrying cattle was involved in an accident. WSMV reports that the incident occurred around 12:20 p.m., prompting the closure of I-840 westbound near Pinewood Road and an intervention by Williamson County Fire Rescue and Sheriff's deputies.
A 1600-lb. bull, part of the cargo, became free in the aftermath of the crash, leading to efforts to corral the animal on the busy interstate. "After running for a while, the bull was wrangled in the middle of the interstate and refused to move," Williamson County Fire personnel reported. The rescue operation was multifaceted, with teams requiring a plastic glide and a winch to load the recalcitrant bull back into the trailer.
According to a social media post shared by Williamson County Fire/Rescue, the road remained closed as authorities worked with the cattle owners to secure the freed cows. Fire and law enforcement teams were dispatched to aid in the herding of the bovine escapees.
INCIDENT ALERT 12:56PM 11/25/24
— Williamson County Fire/Rescue (@WilcoFireRescue) November 25, 2024
I-840 westbound is currently shut down due to a motor vehicle accident involving a trailer that was carrying cattle. Currently fire and law enforcement crews are assisting the owners with herding the cattle. Please use caution in the area. pic.twitter.com/zrXMxycTc9
The traffic disruption, while causing no reported injuries, turned I-840 into a temporary pasture. The Tennessean described the scene as reminiscent of an old Western movie. Motorists watched as first responders worked with livestock in an uncommon urban tableau. The interstate saw normalcy return when the incident concluded, reopening around 2:50 p.m., while emergency teams had effectively wrangled the cattle by that time.
