Report ID: 2026-05-14
NCIC#: Unknown
Officer ID#: Unknown
Traffic Unit 1: 2011 Nissan Rogue
Traffic Unit 2: 2016 Toyota Highlander
Occupants: 11 total across both vehicles
Injuries/Fatalities: 11 injured; injuries included facial wounds, bruising, and lacerations from shattered glass; one cow killed
Vehicle Damage: Both vehicles had airbags deploy; both vehicles towed from scene
Property Damage: Fence at Amherst farm damaged by loose cows; approximately 200 sheep escaped onto side roads
Road Surface: Unknown
Manner of Impact: Head-on collision; Vehicle 1 struck a loose cow, deflected, and collided head-on with Vehicle 2
Pedestrian/Cyclist Location: N/A
Narrative
On Thursday, May 14, 2026, at approximately 1:26 a.m., a serious head-on collision occurred at 716 Amherst Road (Route 116) in Sunderland, Massachusetts, after a loose cow entered the roadway. A 2011 Nissan Rogue struck the cow, deflected off the animal, and collided head-on with a 2016 Toyota Highlander traveling in the opposite direction. Sunderland Police Chief Erik Demetropoulos confirmed that officers were already responding to reports of 15 to 20 loose cows in the area when the crash was reported.
All 11 occupants across both vehicles sustained injuries, including facial wounds, bruising, and cuts from shattered glass. The injured were transported to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield, and Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton. A LIFE STAR helicopter was called but was unable to respond due to weather conditions. The cow involved in the collision was killed. Responding agencies included the Sunderland Police Department, Amherst Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, Sunderland Fire Department, Amherst Fire Department, and South County EMS.
MassDOT closed a section of Route 116 between Old Amherst Road in Sunderland and Plum Tree Road in Amherst while first responders worked the scene. The investigation into the circumstances of the crash is ongoing. Full details are developing.
When a crash leaves 11 people injured and requires transport to multiple hospitals, the aftermath can be overwhelming — especially for those facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and unanswered questions about liability. If you or someone you know was involved in this collision, understanding your rights starts with obtaining the official crash report. You can get your free crash report here to begin reviewing the details of what occurred.
