An out-of-control pickup truck with only three wheels left a path of destruction and slightly injured two young children in Victoria yesterday afternoon.

The truck T-boned a minivan with two children in the back seat at Cook Street and Kiwanis Way around 1:45 p.m. While the side of the van was crushed, the children sustained minor cuts and abrasions from broken glass and the driver was uninjured, said Sgt. Barrie Cockle.

The 2006 grey Dodge four-by-four pickup truck driven by a woman in her 20s fled the scene -- leaving behind the vehicle's left front wheel and axle.

Three or four drivers who witnessed the hit-and-run followed the truck as it swerved down streets with sparks flying as its front left side dragged against the pavement, Cockle said.

The truck almost struck a car head-on on Cook Street near Haultain Street and then hit a sedan at Bay and Empire streets. All the while, motorists following behind were on the phone with police, providing updates about the truck's location.

"Travelling at high speed with no front wheel ... it was a bad accident waiting to happen," Cockle said.

The truck finally stopped at Oregon Avenue and Walnut Street.

A passenger got out and walked away, but the driver was quickly surrounded by citizens and arrested seconds later by police.

Investigators found green paint on the right rear quarter panel of the truck that doesn't match the other cars it struck.

They believe the truck may have smashed into a car or object in the Cedar Hill area.

The 26-year-old driver was given a breathalyzer and blew 21/2 times the legal limit, Cockle said.

She has been charged with impaired driving and was released on a promise to appear in court.

kderosa@tc.canwest.com