WATCH: Runaway kangaroo causes car crash, shuts down Alabama highway

ABC News - Apr 30th, 2025

A runaway kangaroo caused quite a commotion on Tuesday when it led to a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 85 in Macon County, Alabama. The incident occurred in the southbound lane near the 46 mile marker, prompting a response from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. The highway was temporarily shut down as authorities dealt with the aftermath of the crash and worked to safely capture the kangaroo, which had somehow found its way onto the busy roadway. This unexpected event disrupted traffic flow and drew significant public attention due to the unusual nature of the accident.

The presence of a kangaroo on a major interstate in Alabama raises several questions about how such an animal ended up in the area, as kangaroos are not native to the United States. It highlights issues related to exotic animals in captivity and their potential escape, which can lead to dangerous situations on public roads. The incident underscores the need for stringent regulations and safety measures concerning the keeping of exotic animals. In addition, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of wildlife encounters, even in urban or suburban settings, potentially impacting public safety and traffic management systems.

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Kangaroo Car Crash Interstate 85 Traffic Disruption Exotic Animals

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.0

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The story about the runaway kangaroo causing a car crash is an intriguing and entertaining piece that captures an unusual event. It scores well in timeliness and clarity, effectively engaging readers with its novelty. However, it falls short in providing a balanced perspective and lacks transparency in sourcing and methodology. The absence of diverse viewpoints and detailed explanations of key aspects, such as the kangaroo's escape and its direct involvement in the crash, limit its overall accuracy and depth. While the story is unlikely to drive significant societal change or controversy, it serves as an engaging human-interest piece with potential for wide sharing and discussion.

Accuracy

The news story claims that a runaway kangaroo caused a car crash on Interstate 85 in Macon County, Alabama. It provides specific details such as the location, the involvement of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and the recovery efforts involving the kangaroo's owner. These details are largely consistent with the factual claims verified, including the kangaroo being a personal pet and the assistance of law enforcement in the recovery. However, the story lacks precision in explaining the exact circumstances of the kangaroo's escape and its direct role in causing the crash, which are critical for full accuracy.

Balance

The story primarily presents the perspective of the incident from the viewpoint of law enforcement and the kangaroo's owner. There is little to no information from other potentially affected parties, such as the drivers involved in the crash or local residents. This lack of diverse perspectives can lead to an imbalanced view of the incident, as it doesn't fully explore the broader impact or the community's response to such an unusual event.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and straightforward, with a coherent narrative structure that makes it easy to follow. The language is simple and accessible, effectively conveying the unusual nature of the incident. However, the lack of detailed explanation regarding the kangaroo's escape and its role in the crash can leave readers with unanswered questions, slightly detracting from overall clarity.

Source quality

The article references the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the kangaroo's owner, suggesting some level of credible sourcing. However, it does not provide direct quotes or detailed accounts from these sources, which would strengthen the reliability of the information. The absence of varied sources, such as eyewitnesses or independent experts, limits the story's depth and authority.

Transparency

The article lacks transparency regarding the methodology of information collection and the potential biases of the sources involved. There is no disclosure of how the information was obtained or any potential conflicts of interest, such as the owner's vested interest in downplaying the incident's severity. This lack of transparency can affect the perceived impartiality and trustworthiness of the report.