OKLAHOMA CITY — A potentially deadly situation was avoided Thursday morning on the Turner Turnpike thanks to the quick actions of alert drivers and several good Samaritans, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Lt. Mark Southall spotted a semi-truck emitting smoke and vibrating near its rear axle and pulled the driver over to investigate. As the truck moved to the shoulder, a set of dual tires detached from the trailer — one bouncing into traffic and the other sparking two small grass fires.

Passing motorists quickly reacted. One driver struck the tire but was uninjured, while another moved the tire and his vehicle out of the roadway, helping prevent further collisions. Good Samaritans extinguished one fire, and troopers used a fire extinguisher to put out the second.

The semi was later inspected by a Size and Weights trooper.
Officials credited the alertness and teamwork of the drivers for preventing serious injuries or fatalities.

Source: Oklahoma Highway Patrol