January 4, 2026

Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving cars, motorcycles, trucks, busses, cyclists and trams throughout Australia to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for drivers, riders, passengers, pedestrians. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of road accident compensation claims.

Incident Overview
A 33-year-old man has died after crashing an allegedly stolen vehicle on the Eyre Highway in South Australia during a police operation on Saturday, 3 January. Police say the man was the sole occupant of the vehicle and was actively evading police at the time of the crash. He was found unconscious at the scene and could not be revived despite officers performing CPR. The incident is being treated as a death in police custody and is subject to internal investigation.

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Saturday, 3 January 2026 (around 2:45pm)
  • Location: Eyre Highway, near Kimba, SA

Vehicles Involved

  • Blue Ford sedan — allegedly stolen; sole occupant vehicle

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatalities:
    • 33-year-old Adelaide man — driver and sole occupant; died at the scene.

Emergency Response

  • Police officers located the driver unconscious following the crash and commenced CPR.
  • Major Crash investigators and the Internal Investigation Section attended the scene.
  • The Eyre Highway was closed between Kimba and Iron Knob for several hours.

Police Investigation
Police allege the incident began earlier in the day following the theft of a vehicle and a fuel drive-off.

  • A brief pursuit was initiated and later terminated due to safety concerns.
  • PolAir tracked the vehicle from the air as it travelled towards Kimba.
  • Road spikes were deployed prior to the crash.
  • Because the driver was evading police, the death is being treated as a death in custody.
  • Major Crash and Internal Investigation Section officers are conducting parallel inquiries.

Community Impact
The incident resulted in the temporary closure of the Eyre Highway, affecting travel between Kimba and Iron Knob. The death has also prompted heightened scrutiny due to its classification as a death in police custody.

Appeal for Information
Police have not issued a public appeal for witnesses at this stage but continue their investigations.

  • Crime Stoppers SA: Call 1800 333 000 if you have relevant information.