Pedestrian Killed By Runaway Truck Wheels

A pedestrian was killed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, yesterday when he was hit by a set of wheels that came off of an 18 wheeler.

The incident occurred around 3 p.m. in the westbound lanes of I-40 near Coors. Police say that mechanical failure was to blame for a dual set of wheels along with a rim coming off of an 18 wheeler. The wheels hit a pedestrian who was walking east on the shoulder of the westbound lanes.

Motorist Kimberly Brumlow witnessed the crash. She said that the tires flew straight at the pedestrian, hitting him head on and sending him flying into the air.

Brumlow said that she followed the truck for about 8 or 9 miles before the driver stopped. She said that the truck was leaning to the side because of the missing tires, but she did not believe that the truck driver realized what had happened.

The pedestrian was pronounced dead on the scene.

I-40 was closed from about 3 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.

Sources:
KOB 4
Albuquerque Journal
KOAT