A tragic start to the new year has unfolded on a major South Australian highway, with two people killed and six others injured in a single-vehicle crash on New Year's Eve.
Early Morning Tragedy on Horrocks Highway
Emergency services were called to the Horrocks Highway near Tarlee, north of Adelaide, at approximately 5:30am on Wednesday. Reports indicated a white Toyota Tarago had lost control and crashed.
Upon arrival, crews discovered a devastating scene. The vehicle, carrying eight occupants, had rolled off the highway. An 18-year-old man and a 71-year-old woman, both from Salisbury North, were pronounced dead at the scene.
Injured Rushed to Hospital for Treatment
The six other people in the car sustained injuries in the crash. They were all transported to hospital for medical care. Among the injured was the 52-year-old female driver of the Tarago.
Major Crash Investigation officers attended and conducted a thorough examination of the site. The major highway was closed for several hours while investigators worked, causing significant disruption to New Year's Eve traffic. The damaged Tarago was later towed from the location.
Appeal for Witnesses and Dashcam Footage
Police have issued a public appeal for information regarding the incident. They are urging anyone who witnessed the crash, or who may have dashcam footage of the white Toyota Tarago travelling on the Horrocks Highway prior to the 5:30am crash, to come forward.
Witnesses are asked to contact Crime Stoppers to assist investigators in piecing together the exact circumstances that led to the fatal rollover.
Road Toll Rises in South Australia
This double fatality has had a grim impact on South Australia's road statistics. The two deaths have pushed the state's 2025 road toll to 87. This figure is alarmingly close to the total number of lives lost on South Australian roads for the entire previous year, sitting just two lower than the 2024 toll.
The tragic incident serves as a sombre reminder of the importance of road safety, particularly during holiday periods when traffic volumes are high.
