South Australia has recently experienced several significant road incidents, including two fatal crashes currently under investigation by authorities. In separate events, two provisional licence holders have been charged following an alleged street racing incident on Adelaide's Southern Expressway.
Fatal Crash on Eyre Highway During Police Operation
A 33-year-old male driver died on the Eyre Highway in South Australia on Saturday following an incident classified by SA Police as a death in custody. The sequence of events began around 10:30 AM with a report of a blue Ford sedan, identified as stolen from a Port Augusta residence on Friday, involved in a petrol drive-off.
The vehicle, driven by a 33-year-old man from Hilton, Adelaide, was tracked by a police helicopter and reportedly reached speeds of up to 180 kilometers per hour. An initial police pursuit was terminated rapidly due to the driver's conduct, described by Assistant Commissioner Ian Parrott as dangerous. Assistant Commissioner Parrott stated that police patrols were not actively pursuing the vehicle at the time of the subsequent crash, noting that officers had conducted an "active risk assessment" prior to the incident, citing the driver's reported erratic behavior and potential risk to public safety.
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. During this time, the driver was observed 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 administered CPR; however, he died at the scene.
SA Police's Internal Investigation Section is involved in the case due to the driver's attempts to avoid apprehension, which categorizes the incident as a death in custody. This classification mandates additional layers of 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. Following the incident, the Eyre Highway was closed between Iron Knob and Kimba but has since reopened.
Charges Laid After Alleged Street Racing in Adelaide's South
Two 19-year-old provisional licence holders are scheduled to appear in court following an alleged street racing incident on Adelaide's Southern Expressway. Police reports indicate 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. SA Police Assistant Commissioner John De Candia characterized the alleged driving conduct as extreme.
Authorities subsequently 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 and charged with 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 and is expected to be summonsed to appear in the same court. Both vehicles have been impounded for a period of 28 days.
Motorcyclist Dies in Fleurieu Peninsula Crash
Separately, a 49-year-old man from Lyndoch died in a motorcycle crash on Cole Road in Delamere, Fleurieu Peninsula. The incident occurred at approximately 4:30 PM on Friday. Emergency services responded to the scene, where the man was pronounced deceased. The Major Crash Investigation Section is conducting an investigation into the circumstances of the crash. Assistant Commissioner De Candia has encouraged anyone with relevant information or dashcam footage to contact authorities.