Man killed by detached truck wheel

A man in his 60s was killed instantly yesterday after he was hit by a flying wheel from an articulated lorry on the outskirts of Limerick.

The freak accident happened as the pedestrian was walking at Ballybrown near the village of Clarina on the Foynes Road shortly after 4pm. It is understood that a double wheel axle became detached from the lorry and struck the pedestrian, killing him instantly.

The driver continued his journey towards Limerick city, apparently unaware that the wheel had come off the vehicle, which was carrying a steel load.

He was later flagged down and stopped by gardaí near Galvone on the south side of Limerick city, some three miles away.

Investigating gardaí described yesterday's incident as a "tragic accident", and confirmed last night that a man was helping them with their inquiries at Roxboro Garda Station.

"We are also appealing to anyone who was in the Ballybrown/Clarina area yesterday and who may have witnessed this tragic accident to contact us at Roxboro Garda Station," said a Garda spokesman.

The victim - who was a native of the neighbouring village of Kildimo - was rushed to the Mid Western Regional Hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival. Gardaí said last night that the victim's name will not be released until all of his family have been informed.