Sudden Flat Tires Reported Near Busy Fargo Intersection

FARGO, N.D. — Drivers traveling down 45th Street South on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, encountered an unexpected and alarming series of tire failures that left at least three vehicles stranded in the Applebee’s parking lot, all with similar damage and within a short timeframe. Eyewitnesses described the incidents as occurring almost simultaneously, raising concerns about a potential safety hazard on the busy thoroughfare. The sudden flats occurred just after drivers passed through a construction zone, though city officials have not confirmed whether debris from the work site played a role. One motorist, Dylan Rust of Fargo, described the rapid onset of the issue after leaving a bank. “I made my left-hand turn after leaving the bank, and I could hear air coming out of my tire real fast,” Rust said. “I looked down at my pressure gauge, and it said 10 PSI in the tire.” Rust barely made it into the parking lot before realizing he was not alone. “Right after I pulled in, there was another person who had pulled in with the exact same tire—back driver side tire,” he recalled. Upon inspection, Rust found a significant gash in his tire, later measured at two inches deep. Another driver reported finding a razor blade embedded in their tire, suggesting the possibility of a shared cause for the incidents. While some drivers were able to patch their tires on the spot, at least one vehicle required towing. Rust estimated his repairs cost nearly $200. The city of Fargo has been contacted by affected drivers and local media, but officials have not yet provided an explanation for the incidents or confirmed whether construction activity is linked to the tire damage. The series of flats has prompted speculation among drivers about the cause, with many pointing to the construction zone as a likely source. However, without official confirmation, the exact origin remains unclear. The situation underscores the importance of road safety and the potential risks posed by construction zones, even when drivers are traveling at typical speeds. Valley News Live first reported the incidents on May 13, 2026, following viewer-submitted video footage showing the stranded vehicles. The outlet reached out to city officials for comment but did not receive a response regarding the cause of the tire failures or any planned response to address the issue.