State Patrol has an idea where wheel that killed two men came from. But they need help
A day after a loose wheel crashed through the windshield of a passenger van on Interstate 5 in Lakewood and killed two men, investigators may have identified the vehicle it came from.
The Washington State Patrol is asking for help in locating the truck and trailer.
Around 5:35 a.m. Thursday, a 15-passenger van carrying eight people, all residents of Shelton, was northbound on I-5 near the Bridgeport Way Southwest exit when the wheel struck. Several passengers were hit. Martin Mendoza Matias, 55, and Denilso Tomas Lopez, 18, were killed.
The wheel is believed to have come from a car hauler trailer towed by a white, newer model Ford heavy duty pickup (F-350 or larger), according to the WSP. The truck has a color matched front bumper, chrome grille, LED headlights and a DOT number posted on the side. Investigators believe it may be a Lariat trim level or higher.
DOT (Department of Transportation) numbers are registration numbers issued to commercial carriers.
Witnesses told WSP investigators the wheel came from the right side of the rearmost axle of the trailer. One witness said the wheel struck a jersey barrier and bounced back into the van.
The truck was seen traveling northbound on Interstate 5 prior to the incident, passing Mounts Road at 5:16 a.m., and is believed to have continued northbound after losing the wheel, the WSP said.
One additional victim from the maroon Ford Econoline van was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries, the WSP said.
Witnesses are asked to contact Trooper Cody Fath via email at cody.fath@wsp.wa.gov or by phone at 360-764-0922.
This story was originally published September 22, 2023 at 5:32 PM.
