Adelaide Journalist Seriously Injured in High-Speed Crash – November 1, 2024

Incident Overview

In October 2021, Ben Hyde, the deputy editor of The Advertiser, was driving home from work on West Terrace in Adelaide when his life took a dramatic turn. He was involved in a severe collision with another vehicle, leaving him with critical injuries.  

Location and Time

The crash occurred on West Terrace in Adelaide, South Australia, in October 2021. While the exact date wasn’t specified, it was a night when Hyde was returning home after completing his shift at The Advertiser.  

Vehicles Involved

The crash involved two cars. Hyde was driving his own vehicle, while the other car was driven by Luigi Gligora. The specific makes and models of the cars weren’t mentioned in the article.

Crash Description

Luigi Gligora was driving under the influence of prescription drugs that, according to court proceedings, mimicked the effects of methamphetamine. He was traveling at an alarming speed of 170 km/h when he collided with Hyde’s car. The impact caused Hyde’s car to explode in flames, trapping him inside the burning wreckage.  

Injuries/Fatalities

Ben Hyde sustained severe injuries in the crash, including a traumatic brain injury and serious burns. He was trapped in his burning car, unconscious, and at risk of succumbing to the flames and smoke. The article didn’t provide details about any injuries Luigi Gligora may have sustained.  

Emergency Response

The scene of the crash quickly drew the attention of witnesses and emergency responders. An off-duty police officer, on his way to start his shift, was among those who witnessed the crash. He bravely intervened, smashing the driver’s side window of Hyde’s car and using his bare hands to put out the flames that were burning Hyde’s chest. Other bystanders and emergency personnel worked together to extricate Hyde from the wreckage. Hyde was then rushed to the hospital, where he endured a four-week stay to begin his long and arduous journey to recovery.  

Investigation

Authorities conducted a thorough investigation into the crash. Luigi Gligora, the driver who caused the collision, was arrested and charged. During the court proceedings, Gligora pleaded guilty to aggravated causing serious harm by dangerous driving. He was subsequently sentenced to four years in jail for his reckless actions.

Witnesses/Appeals

The article didn’t mention any specific appeals for witnesses or information from the public in relation to the crash investigation.

Community Impact

The crash had a significant impact on the community, particularly within the media circles where Hyde was well-known. Hyde himself, after recovering from his injuries, decided to channel his experience into raising awareness about road safety. He produced a documentary titled “While I Was Sleeping,” which chronicled the crash, his recovery process, and the devastating consequences of reckless driving. The Advertiser, where Hyde worked, launched a road safety campaign called “Arrive Alive” in conjunction with the release of his documentary. The campaign aimed to remind drivers of the potential dangers on the road and encourage responsible driving behavior. Hyde’s story and the campaign sparked broader discussions in South Australia about road safety and the dangers of drug-impaired driving.  

Contributing Factors

The crash was directly attributed to Luigi Gligora’s decision to drive under the influence of prescription drugs. The drugs, as revealed in court, had effects similar to methamphetamine, impairing his judgment and reaction time. Additionally, Gligora’s excessively high speed of 170 km/h significantly contributed to the severity of the crash. This dangerous combination of drug impairment and excessive speed had devastating consequences for Ben Hyde and served as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible driving.