Dislodged tire, rim from truck seriously injures girl in Cranston

CRANSTON, R.I. (WLNE) – A 13-year-old girl is in the hospital after a tire came dislodged from a truck in Cranston Tuesday afternoon.

According to Cranston Police Chief Michael Winquist, a man was driving a pick up truck on Dyer Avenue around 3:30 p.m. when the left front tire and rim detached from the truck and rolled down the street striking a 13-year-old girl crossing the road at Oxford Street.

The girl was taken to Hasbro Children’s Hospital with serious injuries, including a concussion, but is expected to survive.

The truck ultimately came to a stop after the axle snapped. The driver remained on scene.

Winquist said that the preliminary investigation determined that the driver recently purchased the vehicle from a private party. He added alcohol, drugs nor speed appear to be a a factor.

The chief said state inspectors will look at the truck to determine what caused the tire and wheel to detached and the driver could face motor vehicle charges.