Urgent: Man Killed by Loose Wheel on QEW in St. Catharines

BREAKING: A tragic incident on the QEW in St. Catharines has left one man dead after a loose wheel crashed into his vehicle on Tuesday. The horrifying event unfolded just east of Niagara Street as the wheel, which had detached from a pickup truck heading towards Fort Erie, careened into the Toronto-bound lanes, striking the victim’s car.

The 53-year-old man, identified as a U.S. citizen, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)’s Highway Safety Division. A passenger in the struck vehicle, a 52-year-old man, was rushed to a local hospital with injuries that are fortunately not life-threatening. The driver of the pickup truck was unharmed.

Currently, both lanes of the QEW remain closed as OPP conducts a thorough investigation into this heartbreaking incident. Traffic heading toward Toronto is being diverted at Glendale Avenue in Niagara-on-the-Lake, with access to re-enter the highway available at Niagara Street. Those traveling toward Fort Erie must exit at Niagara Street and can re-enter just past Welland Avenue.

This incident echoes a previous tragedy in May 2024, when a loose wheel resulted in one fatality and three serious injuries after it struck a coach bus in the same Toronto-bound lanes of the QEW at Glendale Avenue.

The OPP continues to gather evidence and statements from witnesses. As investigators work to uncover the details surrounding this incident, authorities urge drivers to remain cautious and stay updated on road conditions.

This developing story highlights the serious dangers posed by loose vehicle parts, prompting renewed calls for vehicle maintenance checks, especially for those traveling long distances.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.