Cattle killed in collision

A MOUNT Gambier woman has escaped serious injury after crashing her vehicle into rogue cattle in Yahl on Sunday evening.

The 28-year-old was driving a Nissan Patrol on Ruwoldt Road at around 8.10pm when she struck five cows, which had escaped from a nearby paddock.

Police and emergency services attended the scene and found two of the cows had been killed on impact.

Mount Gambier Police officer in charge Senior Sergeant Chris King said a third cow had to be put down by officers.

“The remaining two cows also suffered injuries,” Snr Sgt King said.

The vehicle was left with significant front-end damage from the collision and had to be towed from the scene.

Fortunately there were no reported injuries to the driver.

Grant District Council community ranger Dale Millar also attended the scene of the crash and said council would investigate the circumstances.

“I did attend the incident, but I am not sure of the full circumstances at this stage,” Mr Millar said.

“We will definitely be following it up with the property owner to ascertain exactly how the cattle ended up on the road.”

Mr Millar said it was a timely reminder for property owners to make sure their fences were up to standard.

While it is unclear what caused the crash, Mr Millar said drivers also must remain vigilant on regional roads.

“Cattle do jump fences, particularly at this time of year when the feeds get low,” Mr Millar said.

“It is just as important to take extra caution when driving through these areas at night because lighting is often poor and these animals are hard to identify in the dark.”

Yahl Country Fire Service was also on the scene of the crash to close a section of the road and coordinate traffic.