A transport truck that lost two wheels while travelling on Highway 11 late last month has led to charges against both the driver and the operating company, according to Ontario Provincial Police.
Police said they received multiple traffic complaints on the evening of Feb. 26 about a southbound tractor-trailer operating with smoke and sparks coming from the trailer. Several motorists also reported smelling an electrical burning odor from the commercial motor vehicle beginning around 9:45 p.m.
While patrolling the area, officers located a detached trailer wheel on the shoulder of Highway 11 near Highway 654. Police said the wheel was extremely hot to the touch, with sheared lug bolts and metal fragments visible inside.
A short time later, officers found the truck at the Wasi Weigh Scales. Their investigation determined that two wheels had completely separated from the trailer’s axle. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
Following the investigation, the 28-year-old driver from Oakville was charged with driving a commercial motor vehicle with a major defect, failing to surrender his licence, and operating a vehicle with a wheel separation.
The Brampton-based company that owns the truck was also charged with operating a commercial motor vehicle with a wheel separation.
As a result of the violations, the transport truck was placed out of service for 24 hours under commercial vehicle safety regulations.
