September 10, 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
A serious crash occurred on Gawler Road at Two Wells, north of Adelaide, on Monday night, September 8, 2025. At approximately 7:00 pm, two vehicles struck five horses that had strayed onto the road after a gate was left open on a nearby property along Germantown Road. Four horses were killed instantly, while a fifth was later euthanised roadside due to severe injuries. A woman driving a 4WD narrowly avoided rolling her vehicle and escaped serious injury, though she has been left traumatised by the incident.

“My wife was lucky not to roll as she veered off the road after hitting the horses.” — Husband of driver involved

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Monday, September 8, 2025 (approximately 7:00 pm)
  • Location: Gawler Road near Germantown Road, Two Wells, north of Adelaide, South Australia

Vehicles Involved

  • 4WD vehicle (driven by a woman, nearly rolled after impact)
  • Second vehicle (details not specified)
  • Five horses from a nearby property (four killed instantly, one euthanised)

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatality:
    • No human fatalities reported.
  • Serious Injuries:
    • No serious human injuries reported.
  • Animal Losses:
    • Babe, a child’s show pony
    • Rosie, a pregnant mare
    • Moonie, Rosie’s foal
    • Maybel, a young filly
    • 23-year-old warmblood mare (euthanised roadside)

Emergency Response

  • Emergency services attended Gawler Road after reports of vehicles colliding with stray horses.
  • The 4WD driver avoided serious injury but was shaken and traumatised.
  • One horse was euthanised at the roadside due to extensive injuries.
  • Police confirmed they are aware of the incident; no human injuries were reported.

“The driver didn’t have a hope of seeing them.” — Eyewitness account

Police Investigation
South Australia Police are examining:

  • The sequence of events leading to the horses straying onto Gawler Road.
  • Contributing factors including the open gate and lack of visibility on the unlit rural road.
  • Eyewitness accounts and any dashcam footage from motorists travelling on Gawler Road at the time.

Community Impact
The deaths of the five horses, including ponies belonging to local children, have devastated the Phillips family and shaken the close-knit equestrian community in Two Wells. Fellow horse owners and friends have rallied to support the family while they were away on holiday. A fundraising campaign has been launched to assist them as they cope with the tragic loss.

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 South Australia Police directly or via local police stations.