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Incident Overview
Italian tourist Gabriele Cairo, 29, has been handed a suspended sentence for causing a crash that killed three people in South Australia’s Mid North. The incident occurred on October 31, 2023, and resulted in the deaths of Cynthia Clark, 84, John Clark, 86, and their daughter, Jacqueline Clark, 54.
Location and Time
The crash happened on October 31, 2023, at the intersection of Templeton and Blyth roads at Everard Central in South Australia’s Mid North.
Vehicles Involved
The crash involved a hire campervan driven by Gabriele Cairo and a car carrying the three victims.
Crash Description
Cairo failed to give way at the intersection and drove his campervan through it, colliding with the car carrying the Clark family. The impact of the crash caused fatal injuries to the three occupants of the car.
Injuries/Fatalities
Cynthia Clark and Jacqueline Clark died at the scene of the crash. John Clark sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to the Royal Adelaide Hospital, where he tragically died about a week later. Cairo’s wife, Elena Perrone, who was a passenger in the campervan, also sustained serious injuries but has since recovered.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Cairo pleaded guilty to three counts of causing death by dangerous driving and one count of causing harm by dangerous driving. On November 22, 2024, Judge Paul Muscat in the South Australia District Court handed Cairo a head sentence of three years and six months in prison, but suspended the sentence due to several mitigating factors, including Cairo’s remorse, his previous good character, and the forgiveness shown by the victims’ family. Cairo has also been disqualified from driving for 15 years.
Community Impact
The crash had a devastating impact on the families and friends of the victims. The incident also highlighted the potential for tragic consequences even when drivers are not deliberately driving dangerously. The case has attracted significant media attention, both in Australia and Italy.
Contributing Factors
While Cairo was not speeding, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or using his phone at the time of the crash, Judge Muscat stated that he had momentarily lost concentration, which led to the fatal collision. This highlights the importance of constant vigilance and attention while driving, even for experienced drivers.