Wheel Separation Incident on QEW Leads to Multiple Charges for Driver and Carrier

Fort Erie, Ontario — The Niagara detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating a serious commercial motor vehicle wheel-off incident that occurred on Friday, November 7 at 12:08 p.m. on the Toronto-bound QEW near Netherby Road.

Fortunately, the detached wheels did not strike any other vehicles, and no injuries were reported — a rare outcome in incidents that often lead to major collisions or fatalities.

The driver, a 37-year-old man from Winnipeg, and the corporate truck owner based in Alberta have both been charged with multiple violations under the Highway Traffic Act. Court summonses have been issued for both parties.

The OPP emphasizes that Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) safety and enforcement remain central pillars of the Provincial Traffic Safety Strategy. Proper maintenance and safe operation are shared responsibilities between drivers and carriers, especially regarding wheel integrity, known to be one of the most critical safety components on commercial trucks.