Runaway truck wheels smashed through a fence and damaged two parked vehicles in La Porte County, Indiana, last week. Security footage captured the dramatic moment when a wheel assembly detached from a commercial vehicle traveling northbound on US 35.
The incident occurred May 18 in the 9000 south block of US 35, according to the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office. Officials shared video of the incident on social media this week.
In the footage, the wheels can be seen bouncing at high speed across the road before crashing through a residential fence. The assembly then struck two vehicles parked in a nearby driveway.
“It is possible the driver was not aware at the time the wheel assembly had fallen off and created damage,” the Sheriff’s Office said in their statement. The truck continued traveling north without stopping.
Wheel separations from commercial vehicles, while uncommon, can cause serious damage and pose significant safety risks to other motorists. Such incidents typically result from improper maintenance or mechanical failures.
The Sheriff’s Office is now seeking the public’s help in identifying the vehicle and its driver. They haven’t indicated whether charges might be filed once the driver is located.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Deputy Howell via email.
The dramatic security footage serves as a reminder of the unexpected hazards that can occur on roadways. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in this incident, though the property damage appears substantial.