Ont. truck driver, company charged after wheels detach on Hwy. 11

Ontario Provincial Police stopped a commercial vehicle on Highway 11 near North Bay, Ont., on Feb. 26, 2026, after reports of a commercial vehicle operating 'with smoke and sparks coming from the trailer.' Officers located the vehicle at the Wasi Weigh Scales with two wheels completely detached from the trailer's axel. (Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police)

A transport truck lost two wheels while travelling on Highway 11 late last month, prompting Ontario Provincial Police to charge both the driver and the operating company.

OPP said it received multiple traffic complaints on the evening of Feb. 26 regarding a southbound tractor-trailer on the highway.

Officers responded to reports of a vehicle “with smoke and sparks coming from the trailer,” police said in a news release Tuesday.

“One caller also reported seeing sparks,” OPP added.

Police said motorists also reported an electrical burning smell coming from a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) starting at about 9:45 p.m.

While patrolling the area, OPP said officers located a detached trailer wheel on the shoulder of Highway 11 near Highway 654.

“The wheel was extremely hot to the touch, and sheared lug bolts and metal fragments were observed inside,” said police.

A short time later, authorities found the involved vehicle at the Wasi Weigh Scales. An investigation revealed that two wheels had completely detached from the trailer’s axle.

Authorities said that no injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

Multiple charges laid

Following an investigation, the 28-year-old driver from Oakville has been charged with driving a commercial motor vehicle with a major defect, failing to surrender his licence and operating a CMV with a wheel separation.

The Brampton-based company that owns the vehicle has also been charged with operating a CMV with a wheel separation.

As a result, the transport truck was placed out of service for 24 hours under commercial vehicle safety regulations.

Absolute liability under Ontario law

Under Ontario’s commercial vehicle safety requirements, wheel separations are treated with exceptional seriousness. The province has established an absolute liability law for such incidents, meaning operators and drivers can face penalties regardless of the cause. Fines for operating a vehicle with a wheel separation range from $2,000 to $50,000.

Serious highway safety risk

OPP emphasized the public danger posed by such equipment failures.

“Detached wheels can travel at high speeds and pose an immediate risk to other motorists, pedestrians, and roadside workers,” said police.

Authorities are urging anyone who sees smoke, sparks or other mechanical issues with a commercial vehicle to call 911.

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