Man Arrested Following Fatal Fiery Two-Truck Collision on Port Wakefield Highway, Adelaide – April 11, 2025

Incident Overview
A 77-year-old truck driver from Port Augusta tragically lost his life in a fiery two-truck collision on the Port Wakefield Highway , near Prime Road , on Thursday, April 11, 2025 , at approximately 7:00 am . The crash resulted in both trucks bursting into flames upon impact, and it took firefighters several hours to extinguish the blaze.

Following an investigation by the South Australia Police (SAPOL) Major Crash Unit , a 57-year-old man from Marleston was arrested and charged with causing death by dangerous driving . He has been issued an immediate loss of licence and is scheduled to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on June 11, 2025 .

The deceased driver, identified as Dene Knapp , was a long-time member of the SA transport industry and employed by Augusta Scrap Metals , which confirmed his involvement in the crash. His death marks the 26th fatality on South Australian roads this year.

Location and Time

• Crash Date: Thursday, April 11, 2025 (just before 7:00 am).
• Location: Port Wakefield Highway, near Prime Road, Inkerman, South Australia.

Vehicles Involved

• A truck driven by a 77-year-old Port Augusta man (deceased).
• A truck driven by a 57-year-old Marleston man (arrested and charged).

Injuries/Fatalities

• Fatality: The 77-year-old truck driver from Port Augusta died at the scene after his truck burst into flames.
• Minor Injuries:
  • The 57-year-old Marleston man (driver of the second truck) sustained minor injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
  • A 39-year-old passenger from Elizabeth Downs (also in the second truck) sustained minor injuries and was hospitalized.

Emergency Response
Emergency services, including paramedics, police, and firefighters, responded promptly to the scene. Firefighters worked for several hours to extinguish the intense flames caused by the collision. Despite their efforts, the 77-year-old driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Traffic was significantly delayed as authorities conducted investigations into the cause of the crash.

Police Investigation
The SAPOL Major Crash Unit is leading the investigation into the collision, focusing on:

• The actions of both drivers leading up to the crash.
• Road conditions, signage, and visibility at the time of the incident.
• Potential factors such as speeding, fatigue, distraction, or mechanical failure.

Authorities are particularly interested in speaking with witnesses who observed the trucks prior to the crash.

“This is a devastating time for all of us as we mourn the shock loss of a friend, family man, and experienced driver who has been in the SA transport industry for decades.”
— Statement from Augusta Scrap Metals

Charges and Legal Proceedings

• The 57-year-old Marleston man has been charged with:
  • Cause death by dangerous driving.
• Court Appearance: Adelaide Magistrates Court on June 11, 2025.
• Immediate Action: Issued an immediate loss of licence.

Appeal for Information
Authorities are appealing to anyone who witnessed the crash or observed the trucks prior to the collision to come forward. Witnesses who have not yet spoken to police are urged to contact the Major Crash Unit :

• SAPOL Major Crash Unit: Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au.
• Anyone with dashcam footage or CCTV recordings from the area around **7:00 am** on April 11 is encouraged to share their information.

Road Safety Context
This tragic incident underscores the importance of safe driving practices, particularly for heavy vehicle operators. The death marks the 26th fatality on South Australian roads this year, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and adherence to road safety guidelines.