A flying plank struck three cars after falling off a truck on a highway in northern China.

The CCTV footage, filmed in Hengshui City in Hebei Province on September 20 shows a plank being suddenly propelled by the wind, soared high and narrowly missed a car following behind the red semi-trailer.

However, the plank went on to hit a transport vehicle carrying other cars. The impact was significant, with three cars on the transporter getting struck. One of them suffered extensive damage, including shattered windows and dented bodywork, with estimated losses believed to be more than 10,000 yuan (£1,142).

Highway police from the Jing County Brigade were quick to assess the situation. The driver of the red semi-trailer, identified as He, was found fully liable for the accident. He will bear all costs resulting from the damage.

Authorities slapped him with a fine of 200 yuan (£23) for his offence of "allowing cargo to scatter or drift while driving a motor vehicle."

But the tale took another twist when the police, in their meticulous investigation, noted an anomaly with the damaged commercial transport vehicle driven by a certain Li. On closer inspection, they discovered that Li's transporter was significantly overextended. He had installed a retractable rack at the rear, allowing him to haul an extra four cars.

Li admitted to the malpractice, resulting in a fine of 100 yuan (£12) for "exceeding the regulated length, width, and height while transporting cargo." Additionally, a penalty point was added to his driving record.

The video was provided by local media with permission.

9月20日16时许，河北衡水，一辆红色重型半挂牵引车行至衡德高速德州方向56公里处时，车斗里用来垫货的一块木板突然飞出，在空中随风飘荡，从后方一辆小轿车上方飘过后，飞向一辆商品车运输车。木板砸到3辆商品车，其中一辆车身和车窗玻璃损坏严重，全部损失预计超万元。
高速交警景县大队认定：红色半挂车驾驶员贺某负此次事故的全部责任，承担由此造成的全部损失。并对贺某“驾驶机动车行驶时遗撒、飘散运载货物”的违法行为依法予以罚款200元处罚。另外，在处理事故过程中，民警发现，李某驾驶的商品车运输车辆明显超长，李某承认自己在车后设置了伸缩架，多装载了4辆商品车。民警依法对李某“机动车载货长度、宽度、高度超过规定”的交通违法行为予以罚款100元，驾驶证记1分的处罚。