Livestock dead after snow causes barn collapse in Chautauqua County

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Five cows died and around 100 others were trapped after a barn collapsed from lake-effect snowfall Monday in Chautauqua County, a county spokesperson announced.

Officials said emergency crews responded to the scene in the Town of Arkwright and worked through deep snow accumulation to rescue the trapped livestock. Colleen and Doug Aldrich have owned the land for around twenty years.

Eight miles away from Arkwright, in Cassadaga, snow total amounts reached to the highest in the county at 56.5 inches, according to the National Weather Service.

Authorities said the couple’s barn was severely damaged due to the weight of the snow. One firefighter sustained non-life threatening injuries during the recovery efforts and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Colleen and Doug were emotional talking about how the community has rallied around them. They said neighbors and even complete strangers helped them in the aftermath.

Rescue efforts continued late into Monday while crews worked to remove snow and debris to save the remaining animals, officials said. Farmers in the area are asked to assess the conditions of their barns for signs of damage while heavy snowfall continues in the region.

The couple is pushing forward but do not yet know when construction of a new barn will commence.

No other injuries were reported.

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Katie Skoog joined the News 4 team in April 2024. She is a graduate from the University at Buffalo. You can view more of her work here.

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