76-Year-Old Pedestrian Critically Injured After SUV Crash Brings Down Power Lines – Oakbank, SA – 15 September 2025

What happened

Incident Overview

A serious pedestrian crash occurred in Oakbank in the Adelaide Hills on Monday morning, September 15, 2025. At approximately 7:10 am, a Kia SUV struck a 76-year-old man from Mount Barker on Onkaparinga Valley Road. The impact caused the vehicle to hit a nearby stobie pole, bringing down power lines dangerously close to bystanders and rescuers. The pedestrian was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries. The female driver of the Kia, a 55-year-old woman from the Adelaide Hills, and her daughter, who was in the car at the time, were uninjured but left shaken.

“A big gust of wind came through and brought all the power lines down — right where we were standing. There was a massive pop and sparks started raining down on us.” — Witness Kelly Randford

• Crash Date: Monday, September 15, 2025 (approximately 7:10 am)
• Location: Onkaparinga Valley Road, Oakbank, Adelaide Hills, South Australia

• Kia SUV, driven by a 55-year-old Adelaide Hills woman
• Pedestrian, 76-year-old man from Mount Barker

• Fatality:
  • No fatalities reported at this stage.
• Serious Injuries:
  • 76-year-old male pedestrian, sustained life-threatening injuries, transported to hospital.
• No Injuries:
  • 55-year-old female driver of the Kia SUV and her daughter, uninjured but traumatised.

The crash has deeply affected the Oakbank community, with locals describing the event as traumatic after watching the collision and subsequent collapse of power lines. Businesses were forced to close and traffic diversions disrupted the town’s main route while emergency crews worked at the scene. Residents have expressed sympathy for the injured man and gratitude to the bystanders who risked their safety to help.

Emergency Response

• Bystanders, including a local horse trainer, rushed to provide first aid before paramedics arrived.
• Emergency services treated the injured pedestrian and transported him to hospital in a critical condition.
• Major Crash Investigators attended to examine the crash scene.
• Fire crews managed the downed power lines, which caused road closures and power outages in Oakbank’s town centre.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted in the crash.” — Karkoo Nursery (nearby business)

Investigation

South Australia Police are examining:

• The circumstances leading to the Kia SUV striking the pedestrian and colliding with a stobie pole.
• The role of speed, visibility, and driver behaviour in the incident.
• Witness statements, CCTV, and dashcam footage from motorists in the area between 7:00 am and 7:30 am.

Appeal for Information

Authorities are urging anyone with information or dashcam/CCTV footage to contact:

• Crime Stoppers SA: Call 1800 333 000 or report online at [www.crimestopperssa.com.au](https://www.crimestopperssa.com.au)
• Witness Reporting: Contact SA Police directly or at the nearest police station.