WINSLOW, ARIZONA — A semi-truck hauling orange juice lost its trailer on Interstate 40 near Winslow on June 23, 2026, after the fifth wheel locking jaws were left unengaged — and the subsequent inspection revealed intentionally disabled brakes and a trucking company operating in violation of a federal out-of-service order.

Arizona Highway Patrol's Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit responded to the single-vehicle incident on I-40. According to AZDPS, the trailer came loose while the truck was moving because the locking handle on the left side of the fifth wheel plate was clearly not engaged. The trailer slid to a stop in the emergency lane and caught fire. No injuries were reported.

The post-incident inspection uncovered additional serious violations. Troopers found several brakes had been intentionally made inoperable by caging, as the brake components were protruding from the brake chambers. The trucking company was also found to be operating in violation of a federal out-of-service order.

The driver was issued numerous citations. AZDPS said the trucking company can expect the same.

"Pre-check inspections and not operating on an out-of-service order could have prevented this. Maintain your vehicle and keep trucking safely!" AZDPS said.

📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.