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Baker, CA (September 13, 2026) – A blown tire caused a tractor-trailer to lose control and collide with a black Ford Transit van Friday evening, September 11, on northbound Interstate 15 near Baker, injuring one person. The incident occurred around 5:47 p.m., roughly three miles north of Baker.
Following the collision, the van ended up in the center divider. The semi came to a stop across both northbound lanes, blocking traffic in the area. Emergency units requested a medical helicopter for the injured van driver. The elderly man was flown to University Medical Center of Southern Nevada by Mercy Air 21. His condition was not released.
The semi was reportedly loaded with food, and its driver was not injured. Traffic backed up for several miles as the roadway was blocked. The collision remains under investigation, and additional details were limited pending the preliminary accident report.
Our thoughts are with the injured driver and his loved ones. We wish him a full and speedy recovery.
What Can Happen When a Tire Blows Out on a Highway?
A tire blowout on a highway can cause a large commercial vehicle to lose stability or change direction suddenly. The risk can increase when the vehicle is traveling at highway speeds or carrying a heavy load.
Debris from a blown tire can also create hazards for nearby drivers. A piece of tire may strike another vehicle, forcing the driver to react quickly or causing a secondary collision. Drivers approaching a disabled vehicle should slow down when possible and provide as much space as roadway conditions allow.
Commercial trucks are subject to tire inspection and maintenance requirements because tire failures can affect traffic safety. Proper tire pressure, tread condition, and routine inspections can help identify problems before a vehicle enters a busy highway.
