Driver injured by tire that exploded in his face during a roadside walk-around

A truck driver was transported to the hospital after one of his truck tires exploded in his face as he inspected it on the side of Interstate 40. 

The incident happened late last week at about 2:!5 a.m. Thursday, April 3rd in Lenoir City, Tennessee. 

According to 10 News, a truck driver hauling liquid laundry soap was heading east on I-40 near mile marker 364 when he pulled over onto the shoulder to inspect the trailer for an unspecified reason. 

The truck driver then attempted to remove a left rear tire on the semi truck, which exploded and struck him in the face. The explosion then sparked a fire that consumed the trailer. 

The truck driver, 54-year-old Pavel Pintea, was taken to the hospital in an unknown condition. A passenger inside of the semi truck, 56-year-old Ana Pintea, was not hurt in the accident. 

I-40 was shut down in the area for about six hours as officials worked to extinguish the fire, clear the wreckage, and investigate the incident. No further information has been released.