Driver Charged over Nangwarry Crash that Killed Two Children Appears in Court – October 30, 2024

What happened

Incident Overview

On Sunday, October 27, 2024, a tragic multi-vehicle collision occurred on the Riddoch Highway in Nangwarry, South Australia. Two children, aged 5 and 15, were killed in the crash, and a 22-year-old driver has been charged with causing their deaths by dangerous driving.

The crash involved three vehicles when a Nissan ute collided with the rear of a Toyota station wagon, causing it to strike a third vehicle. Emergency services attended the scene and transported multiple casualties to hospital.

Location and Time

The collision occurred on the Riddoch Highway in Nangwarry, South Australia, on Sunday, October 27, 2024.

Vehicles Involved

Vehicle 1

• Make/Model: Nissan ute
• Driver: 22-year-old male, Callum Thorne

Vehicle 2

• Make/Model: Toyota station wagon
• Occupants: Two children aged 5 and 15

Vehicle 3

• Make/Model: Not specified in source

Injuries / Fatalities

Fatalities

• 5-year-old Isaac Eykelenburg (deceased at scene)
• 15-year-old Keziah Eykelenburg (deceased at scene)

Injuries

• Multiple casualties transported to hospital (details not specified in source)

Emergency Response

Emergency services attended the scene on the Riddoch Highway following the multi-vehicle collision. Multiple casualties were transported to hospital for treatment.

Investigation

South Australia Police are investigating the crash. Callum Thorne, the 22-year-old driver of the Nissan ute, has been charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and four counts of causing harm by dangerous driving. Thorne appeared before Adelaide Magistrates Court via video link on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, with the hearing conducted in Adelaide due to a conflict of interest involving Thorne’s father, who works as a sheriff in the Mount Gambier Courthouse.

During the court appearance, concerns were raised regarding Thorne’s mobile phone, which was not located during a search of his home. The magistrate noted that any alleged interference with the phone occurred while Thorne was in custody. Thorne was granted bail with conditions including weekly reporting to police, and is scheduled to appear in court again in May 2025.

Appeal for Information

South Australia Police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances of the crash. Any persons with information about the incident are encouraged to contact South Australia Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.