P-Plater Walks Away as Cattle Crash Kills 7 Cows on South Coast Highway

A 19-year-old P-plate driver walked away uninjured after his two-week-old car collided with a herd of 30 cattle on South Coast Highway near Albany, Western Australia, on Sunday night around 10pm. Seven cows died in the impact. A fallen tree had knocked down a fence on a nearby property, allowing the cattle to wander onto the busy road. The driver, Hervic Declarador, said he had less than 15 metres to react after being temporarily blinded by oncoming high beams.

How the crash unfolded

Declarador was driving from Denmark to Albany when a car with high beams approached him near Marbelup. After flashing the vehicle to signal the driver to turn off their lights, he rounded a corner and found himself 15 metres from a large herd of cattle. “I didn’t have time to react. I just couldn’t even brake,” he said. The collision deployed airbags and caused severe damage to his vehicle. When he stepped out, he found a cow on the ground and realised the full extent of what had happened.

The cattle escaped after fence damage

Great Southern Police Superintendent Jon Munday confirmed that a fallen tree had knocked down a fence on a nearby property, allowing the herd to stray onto the highway. Four cows were killed by the initial impact, and three more were so severely injured that police officers euthanised them at the scene. The incident appears to have been an accident, though the City of Albany will investigate further responsibility for fence maintenance and livestock containment.

Driver escaped with his life but lost his car

Despite the violent collision, Declarador emerged physically unscathed. His two-week-old car, however, was a total write-off. He described the moment he realised the severity of the crash: seeing the injured cow looking at him with tears in its eyes made him understand the full impact of the collision. Western Australia has recorded 126 road deaths so far this year, making livestock collisions a serious safety concern on rural highways.

What happens next

Great Southern Police attended the scene shortly after the incident. The investigation will determine whether the property owner bears responsibility for maintaining the fence and preventing cattle from accessing the highway. Livestock owners in Western Australia must ensure fencing is secure and animals do not pose a hazard to road users. The incident highlights the risks drivers face on rural roads, particularly at night when visibility is reduced.

Final Thoughts

Declarador’s survival was fortunate, but seven cattle deaths and a destroyed vehicle underscore the dangers of livestock on busy highways. Rural property owners must maintain secure fencing to prevent animals from accessing roads.

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