Wandering cow on Las Cruces highway triggers traffic crash

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- A cow that wandered onto a Las Cruces highway triggered a traffic crash that left both the animal and vehicle driver injured, witnesses told ABC-7.

The incident occurred Thursday night on Highway 70 and Mesa Grande, where the cow was struck by the vehicle after crossing the path of the unsuspecting motorist.

The cow's owner said he suspects someone cut the fence on his property, which is located about six miles from the crash scene, allowing the cow to escape by walking through the fence opening.

The motorist suffered minor injuries; the cow initially survived but was seriously injured and had to be put down by a livestock officer, who removed the carcass from the roadway.