Driver cited in drowsy driving crash that killed 12 cows

A truck driver has been cited for a drowsy driving crash that killed several cows in Iowa on Friday morning. 

The crash happened at around 3 a.m. on February 23rd along Interstate 380 near Brandon, Iowa. 

According to KWWL News, the truck driver was hauling cattle near the 50 mile marker on I-380 when he fell asleep behind the wheel. The truck veered into the median, through a guardrail, and struck a cement bridge wall. The force of the impact caused the rig to overturn and land in the creek beneath the bridge. A pickup truck then collided with some of the debris from the wreck and damaged the vehicle. 

No one was hurt in the crash, but as many as 12 cows died as a result of the incident. 

The roadway was shut down for hours as crews worked to clean up the wreckage and investigate the incident. 

The accident inspired police to issue a public warning to other truck drivers about the dangers of fatigued driving, and the truck driver involved was issued a citation for failure to maintain control.