Auckland family seeks answers after unidentified truck sheds tyre on Southern Motorway

An unidentified truck driver has yet to be found after a tyre shed from a vehicle and struck Roimata Ironui’s car on Auckland’s Southern Motorway on June 17. The crash injured Ironui’s children and caused significant damage to the family vehicle near the Te Irirangi Dr overbridge.

How did the accident occur?

Ironui was travelling southbound on State Highway 1 with her partner and three children shortly after 1:30 pm. According to 1News, the family was heading to the supermarket when a tyre struck the front of their car, triggering the airbags. Ironui told 1News she made a split-second decision to steer the car left so the impact would hit the driver’s side, a move she believes saved her daughter’s life. “The tyre would have taken her life. I’m not even playing around,” she said.

What were the injuries and consequences for the family?

The collision resulted in physical injuries and significant psychological trauma. Ironui reported receiving burns to her arms, thigh, lower leg, and hips. Her daughter suffered friction burns to both arms, though a puffer jacket limited the severity of the injuries above the wrist, according to Ironui. The impact also had a profound effect on the family’s seven-year-old son, who has autism; Ironui said he was so traumatised he could not sleep without prescription melatonin from his paediatrician. Furthermore, the family’s car, which was under a finance agreement, sustained significant damage and was impounded by police for use as evidence.

Why hasn’t the driver been identified?

Police have been unable to locate the vehicle or the tyre. Senior Sergeant Bill Russell said officers reviewed footage from the Joint Traffic Operations Centre, but the crash itself was not captured on camera. He confirmed that no other vehicles involved have been located in the area and suggested the tyre may have bounced into the bushes. Ironui expressed difficulty accepting the lack of footage, noting the incident occurred less than 100 metres from an overbridge. She also questioned how a truck could continue driving after losing a tyre, asking, “Where did you go with three tyres?”

What could happen next?

The investigation remains active, though Senior Sergeant Bill Russell stated police have exhausted all currently available lines of inquiry. The family’s finance company has since arranged for a mechanic to assess the damaged vehicle. If someone provides relevant information, police may be able to identify the driver responsible. Anyone with information is asked to contact police online or by calling 105, quoting reference number 260617/0072.