While traveling in vehicle at highway speed, vibration was noticed by occupants, and they commented to each other about it, as the vehicle had driven normally (no vibration) all day. Operator checked gage cluster for any warning lights, and none were illuminated. Soon after, the steering wheel began to shimmy drastically. Operator stated also that at about this time, an observation was made that the low air light on the gage cluster illuminated. While maneuvering to the left, a catastrophic failure (blowout) of the left front tire occurred. A loud bang was heard, and the tread that was still on the tire rim caused major damage to the left front end of the vehicle. Vehicle was maneuvered to the left shoulder of the highway and stopped, occupants were not injured, nor was any other vehicle or person involved with the incident. Potential serious injury of occupants was avoided during the failure of the tire by the actions of the operator to maneuver and bring the damaged vehicle to a stop. No debris was run over during the course of the day, and that until just before the incident; nothing was out of the ordinary with how the vehicle was working. It is speculated that the left front tire of the vehicle started to de-tread as the vibration felt within the vehicle was experienced. When the wheel started to shimmy, the outer tread may have been all but delaminated from the interior core of the tire, and upon turning left, caused the floating tread to come off center from the tire, and finally shred apart destroying the components of the vehicle surrounding the immediate area of the failed tire. The tires on the vehicle have been driven 35217 miles, and treads all are evenly worn and although not measured, seem to be more than adequate depth wise. Close inspection of the tires does seem to indicate that there may be minor dry rotting occurring on the side wall of the tires.

- East Hartford, CT, USA