CLARENDON, Jamaica – The National Road Operating and Constructing Company Limited says vandalism of a fence resulted in cattle straying onto a section of the May Pen to Williamsfield Highway leg of Highway 2000 Friday night into the wee hours on Saturday.

The incident happened a day before the two-year anniversary for the opening of that leg of the highway. NROCC’s response via a statement issued on Saturday afternoon came hours after the Observer reported that danger still lurks with cattle straying onto the high-speed road.

This as a woman had to be rushed to hospital in the wee hours on Saturday after cattle strayed onto the highway shortly after midnight, causing extensive damage to two vehicles, namely a Toyota Axio and a Toyota Tacoma, and injuring occupants.

WATCH: Stray cattle danger still lurking on Williamsfield leg of Highway 2000

NROCC in its statement released mid-afternoon Saturday said preliminary investigations indicate that the accident was caused by criminals cutting the right-of-way fencing, while likely carrying out acts of praedial larceny.

A dead cow on the hard shoulder of the May Pen to Williamsfield leg of Highway 2000 after it was struck by vehicles.

“When persons cut the fencing to steal livestock from farms adjacent to the roadway, the fencing is left compromised, allowing cattle to wander onto the road. This kind of criminal activity poses a serious safety risk to motorists,” the statement read in part.

NROCC said it has already repaired the damage that was done to the right-of-way fencing.

“Additionally, NROCC will continue to work closely with the police to mitigate against further acts of vandalism and praedial larceny. The road is open for motorists to continue travelling between May Pen and Williamsfield,” the statement read in part.

NROCC is urging members of the public to report any suspicious activities near the right-of-way fencing.