A tragic highway accident north of Adelaide has resulted in the death of a seasoned truck driver. Emergency services responded to a collision between two trucks on the Port Wakefield Highway, near Prime Road in Inkerman, around 6.50am. Both vehicles caught fire, and firefighters spent several hours managing the inferno.
The deceased driver, a 77-year-old man from Port Augusta, was pronounced dead at the scene. Meanwhile, the second truck driver and his passenger – a 57-year-old from Marleston and a 39-year-old from Elizabeth Downs – sustained minor injuries and were transported to hospital for treatment.
Witness Wayne Jones recounted that fog severely limited visibility on the highway. He mentioned that the trucks were only discernible from about 20 metres away. One of the occupants from the second truck emerged from the cabin seeking assistance.
The driver who lost his life was affiliated with Augusta Scrap Metals, a business that described him as an experienced professional who had been a significant part of the South Australian transport industry for many years. The company remarked on his character, referring to him as a “friend” and “family man”.
Authorities continued their investigation into the incident, necessitating traffic detours around the area throughout the day.