Riverside, CA – A dramatic accident unfolded on the southbound 215 Freeway near Eucalyptus Avenue on the evening of August 19th, when a tire from a northbound semi-truck caused a severe collision. The incident, which occurred around 7:02 p.m., resulted in significant damage but fortunately no life-threatening injuries.
According to reports from the Riverside Fire Department and the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a white Tesla was struck by a high-speed tire that had bounced over the center divider from the northbound lanes. The tire, having detached from a semi-truck, crossed into oncoming traffic and hit the Tesla with considerable force. The impact caused the Tesla to veer off the road and come to a stop with extensive front-end damage.
Witnesses and the driver reported that the semi-truck had been traveling on the 215 Freeway before the 215/60 interchange when it lost one of its tires. The tire, traveling at a high velocity, crossed over the freeway divider and struck the Tesla, which was heading southbound.
Emergency Medical Response (AMR) teams treated the Tesla’s driver at the scene. Despite being very shaken by the incident, the driver suffered only minor injuries. CHP officers are still searching for the tire, which was lost after the collision. The semi-truck responsible for the tire detachment continued traveling on the freeway, prompting CHP units to stop and investigate several other semi-trucks in the vicinity.
CHP officials highlighted the severity of the accident, noting that the situation had the potential to result in fatal consequences. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities are working to locate the semi-truck that lost the tire.
This collision serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of vehicle maintenance and safety checks to prevent such dangerous occurrences on the road.