WALTHAM, Mass. — Two tires became dislodged from a dump truck Saturday and flew through the air, striking two vehicles on Route 95 in Waltham.
State Police said the driver of that dump truck, Valdir Dossantos, was traveling south on I-95 when two right rear wheels became dislodged. One tire hit a 2008 Toyota Prius, and the other bounced into the northbound side and hit a 2013 Mazda 3.
The driver of that Mazda, 27-year-old Rose DeDominicis, was seriously injured. She was sent to the hospital but has since been released and is recovering at home.
"We're in daily contact with her family... We're certainly distraught about what happened to Rose and hoping for a speedy recovery," a statement from DeDominicis' employer Patients Like Me said.
Police say Dossantos was driving without a license, and when he was questioned after the crash the only identification he had was a Brazilian passport.
Dossantos appeared in court Monday, charged with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.
State police paperwork described the state of the truck when officers arrived at the scene of the crash.
"The right rear wheel hub and brake rotor [were] on the ground. All of the lug nut studs were broken off. The passenger side front wheel was also very concerning and unsafe. I could see at least one lug nut was partially removed."
Dossantos was released on his own personal recognizance and is expected back in court next month.
The charge of driving without a license does not carry jail time, but a fine. Dossantos could, however, face further charges.
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