Emergency crews responded to a crash Thursday morning on US 30 between CR 500W and CR 650W after a reported semi-truck tire failure resulted in serious injuries to another driver. Around 8:30 a.m., a semi traveling eastbound experienced a tire blowout that sent debris flying across the grassy median. That debris struck the driver’s side window of a westbound 2023 Kia Seltos, injuring the 19-year-old driver. Airbags deployed, and the shattered window left her with facial and shoulder injuries. She was treated at the scene and later transported to a local hospital.
When a tire blows apart with enough force to launch debris across a highway, it's important to examine whether a defect in the tire or its installation contributed to the failure.
Could a Defective Tire or Component Be to Blame?
While tire blowouts can result from improper maintenance or overuse, it’s also possible the tire itself was defective. Manufacturing flaws, tread separation, or sidewall weaknesses can all cause tires to fail even when properly maintained. Investigators may need to inspect the tire’s condition and consult recall databases or manufacturer specifications to determine whether this blowout stemmed from a product defect. It’s also worth examining whether the axle or wheel assembly had any defects or signs of stress that contributed to the failure.
What Evidence Should Be Collected?
To fully understand what happened, investigators should preserve the blown tire and wheel assembly for forensic examination. Maintenance records from the semi-truck operator could reveal whether the tire had recently been replaced or inspected. Dashcam footage from nearby vehicles and witness accounts may also clarify the sequence of events and the location of the debris as it crossed into westbound traffic.
Why a Full Investigation Is Necessary
This kind of incident shows how a single mechanical failure can pose a danger to other motorists on the road. A thorough investigation will help determine whether or not this was the result of a preventable defect. That’s the only way to figure exactly what happened and why.