Teen driver survives high-speed crash into herd of cows on WA highway

On a dark, unlit section of the South Coast Highway linking Albany and Denmark, 19-year-old Hervic Declarador crashed his brand-new ute into a herd of roughly 50 cows at about 110 km/h. He reported that a vehicle parked on the roadside used its high beams to warn other drivers, but the glare actually obscured the animals until he was within about 15 metres. The impact left the bonnet severely deformed and triggered airbags, which he credited with preventing more serious harm.

Police discovered four dead cows on the road and euthanised three more that were injured; a fallen tree had knocked a fence down, allowing the herd onto the highway. Superintendent John Munday said no charges would be laid and the matter was referred to the City of Albany, noting the ongoing risk of livestock on rural roads. A livestock warning remains in place for the area.