Loose trailer wheel leads to charge on Highway 11-17 bypass: OPP

Ontario Provincial Police say their investigation determined that a pickup truck towing a recreational watercraft trailer experienced a complete wheel failure and the trailer's wheel, hub assembly and fender detached, with the wheel crossing the highway and coming to rest in the ditch. The incident happened July 14, 2026, on the Highway 11-17 bypass in North Bay. (Ontario Provincial Police/Facebook)

The driver of a pickup truck towing a recreational watercraft trailer was charged with operating an unsafe vehicle after provincial police say a wheel assembly detached on the Highway 11-17 Bypass in North Bay.

Ontario Provincial Police said officers responded to reports of the incident the night of July 14.

Investigation

“Investigation determined that a pickup truck towing a recreational watercraft trailer experienced a complete wheel failure,” said OPP in a social media post.

According to police, the trailer’s wheel, hub assembly and fender detached, with the wheel crossing the highway and coming to rest in the ditch.

OPP said there were no injuries report and no other vehicles were involved.

The driver was charged with operating an unsafe vehicle.

Police safety reminder

Provincial police used the incident to issue broader safety reminders to motorist with summer travel season underway.

“Trailer maintenance is an important part of road safety,” OPP said.

Police said hub assemblies, wheel bearings, tires and wheel fasteners should be inspected regularly – especially before longer trips.

“A failed wheel bearing or hub assembly can quickly turn into a serious highway hazard,” wrote Const. Kyler Brouwer in the post.

“Regular maintenance and pre-trip inspections can help prevent dangerous incidents and keep everyone safe on our roads.”