July 18, 2025

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
An elderly couple has died following a single-vehicle crash in Adelaide’s inner southwest. The couple were driving a Volkswagen along Anzac Highway near the Kurralta Park Village Shopping Centre when their vehicle veered off the road and struck a tree just before 1:00 pm on Thursday, July 17, 2025. The 80-year-old female passenger died at the scene, and the 81-year-old male driver—who reportedly suffered a medical episode—was taken to hospital in critical condition but died the following morning. Witnesses reported seeing the couple in cardiac arrest immediately after the crash.

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Thursday, July 17, 2025 (just before 1:00 pm)
  • Location: Anzac Highway near Grassmere Street, Kurralta Park, Adelaide, South Australia

Vehicles Involved

  • Volkswagen passenger vehicle – left the roadway and struck a tree

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatalities:
    • 80-year-old female passenger died at the scene.
    • 81-year-old male driver died in hospital early Friday morning (July 18).
  • Other Injuries:
    • No other injuries reported.

Emergency Response
Emergency services rushed to the crash site outside the Kurralta Park Village Shopping Centre. Witnesses, including shoppers and children, saw the aftermath. Both victims were reported to be in cardiac arrest. Police closed the citybound lanes of Anzac Highway to conduct a forensic investigation.

Investigation
South Australia Police are examining:

  • Whether the driver experienced a medical episode prior to the crash
  • The vehicle’s speed and trajectory leading up to the impact
  • Witness and dashcam footage from motorists or businesses along Anzac Hwy

Preliminary assessments suggest no third-party vehicles were involved.

Community Impact
The crash occurred in front of a busy shopping precinct and was witnessed by numerous members of the public, including children. Local residents described the couple as familiar faces who regularly visited the nearby shops together. The tragedy has prompted discussion about driver medical fitness and elderly road user safety.

Witnesses/Appeals
South Australia Police are urging anyone who saw the crash or has relevant dashcam/CCTV footage from Anzac Highway between 12:45 pm and 1:15 pm on July 17, 2025, to contact: