Authorities say the entire rear axle, with wheels attached fell off a tractor-trailer on Interstate 95 Tuesday in Port Chester. The incident caused a car accident that claimed the life of a 62-year-old Toms River, New Jersey, woman, and left her mother with minor injuries. New York state police investigator Joseph Beccera tells the Journal News, "the entire axle compartment went airborne about 100 yards and crashed into the windshield and roof of the northbound vehicle."

Police estimate that the axle and wheel assembly weighed over 200 pounds. The flying axle and wheel assembly slammed into the victims' Chevrolet Cavalier, collapsing the roof of the car, smashing the windshield and striking the two occupants inside the vehicle.

Authorities report the 62-year-old driver died instantly in the crushing accident. The weight and thrust of the axle assembly likely caused lethal injuries to the driver's head and neck. The driver's 84-year-old mother was traveling as a passenger in the Chevrolet. Police say she "miraculously" suffered only minor personal injuries. The passenger was taken to Stamford Hospital with injuries to her arm.

The tractor-=trailer did not stop after the I-95 accident. Police say a witness caught the license plate and that helped police to locate the driver Tuesday evening in New Jersey.

The Chevrolet Cavalier was towed from the scene of the accident. Jose Lopez, the tow truck driver tells the Journal News he has seen numerous accidents like this in his 15 year career.

The truck accident remains under investigation. No charges have been filed.

Source: The Journal News, "Ex-Larchmont woman dies when tractor-trailer wheels hit car; police search for witness," James O'Rourke Aug. 16, 2011