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Multiple Fatal Road Incidents Reported Across South Australia

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South Australia Road Crisis: A Wave of Fatal Incidents

A series of fatal road incidents have occurred across South Australia in recent weeks, involving multiple vehicle types and locations. The following summary consolidates reports from different sources.

Limestone Coast Region: Four Fatal Crashes in 12 Days

Four fatal crashes occurred in South Australia's Limestone Coast region over a 12-day period.

Incidents

  • Eight Mile Creek, near Port Macdonnell: A man walking on Galpins Road was struck and killed by a car.
  • OB Flat, near Mount Gambier: A 17-year-old female cyclist from Compton was killed after being hit by a car on Glenelg River Road. A 23-year-old man from Mount Gambier was arrested and charged with causing death by careless use of a motor vehicle.
  • Glenroy, between Penola and Naracoorte: A 46-year-old local man died after his Toyota ute hit a tree.
  • Mount Gambier: On June 17, a 68-year-old man died after being hit by a car on Jubilee Highway West.

Statistics

Before June 17, one fatal crash had been recorded in the South East region in 2023.

  • As of the article's date, 56 people had died on South Australian roads in 2023, compared to 38 at the same time in 2022.
  • According to SA Police Traffic Services Branch Inspector Mick Turnbull, 38% of deaths involved dangerous road use and 29% involved lack of seat belt use.
  • 60% of road deaths in SA occurred on regional roads.

Statements

  • Superintendent Nick Patterson, acting officer in charge of Limestone Coast Local Service Area, urged drivers to stay focused while driving and noted the toll of repeated trauma on emergency services.
  • Darren Davis, president of Get Home Safe Foundation, called attention to the need to protect vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.

Fleurieu Peninsula: Fatal Motorcycle Crash

A motorcyclist died in a crash on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

The incident occurred on Cole Road in Delamere at approximately 4:30 PM on Friday. Emergency services attended the scene, where a 49-year-old man from Lyndoch was pronounced deceased.

The Major Crash Investigation Section is investigating the circumstances. SA Police Assistant Commissioner John De Candia encouraged anyone with relevant information or dashcam footage to contact authorities.

Eyre Highway: Driver Dies After Police Operation

A 33-year-old driver died in a crash on the Eyre Highway, an incident classified as a death in custody by SA Police.

Incident Timeline

  • Police received a report at approximately 10:30 AM regarding a blue Ford sedan, reported stolen from a Port Augusta residence on Friday, which had allegedly been involved in a petrol drive-off at a service station.
  • The vehicle was tracked by a police helicopter and reportedly reached speeds of up to 180 kilometers per hour.
  • Assistant Commissioner Ian Parrott stated that police patrols were not actively pursuing the vehicle at the time of the crash. He confirmed that officers conducted an "active risk assessment" prior to the incident, citing the driver's reported erratic behavior and potential risk to public safety. An initial police pursuit initiated after the petrol drive-off was terminated rapidly due to the driver's dangerous conduct.
  • The vehicle was later observed heading towards Whyalla before being tracked by a police helicopter on Iron Knob Road and subsequently west on the Eyre Highway towards Kimba. The driver's actions included operating the vehicle at high speeds and on the wrong side of the road.
  • At approximately 2:40 PM, the driver exited the car at a roadside rest stop on the Eyre Highway, approximately 37 kilometers east of Kimba. Plainclothes police officers deployed road spikes at both the entrance and exit of the car park and approached the male. The driver then re-entered the vehicle and departed at speed, reportedly narrowly missing a police officer.
  • The car subsequently crashed less than two kilometers further along the highway. Police found the driver unconscious and, despite administering CPR, he died at the scene.
  • The driver, identified as a 33-year-old male from Hilton, Adelaide, died several hours later.

Investigation

SA Police's Internal Investigation Section is involved due to the driver's attempts to avoid apprehension, classifying the incident as a death in custody.

This requires additional investigation, including a coronial inquiry and an internal review of police processes and actions.

  • Assistant Commissioner Parrott confirmed the driver was known to police in relation to domestic violence and other matters.
  • The Eyre Highway was closed between Iron Knob and Kimba but has since reopened.

Adelaide's South: Alleged Street Racing Incident

Two provisional licence holders, both 19 years old, are scheduled to appear in court following an incident involving alleged street racing on Adelaide's Southern Expressway.

  • Police reported that the two individuals were operating separate vehicles when observed at approximately 3:15 AM.
  • One vehicle, a red Subaru hatchback, was reportedly detected traveling at 209 km/h in the Reynella area. Both vehicles were monitored using traffic management cameras.
  • Authorities located the vehicles parked on River Road at Noarlunga Downs, where the alleged drivers were found nearby.
  • The individual identified as the driver of the Subaru, from Seaford Rise, was arrested. Charges include extreme speed, street racing, breaching provisional licence conditions, and providing false details. This individual has been granted bail and is scheduled to appear in the Christies Beach Magistrates Court in March.
  • The second 19-year-old, from Barmera, was reported for street racing and breaching provisional licence conditions. This individual is expected to be summonsed to appear in the same court.
  • Both vehicles have been impounded for a period of 28 days.