April 9, 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 83-year-old man from Western Australia has died following a collision between a ute and a truck on the Eyre Highway in the Nullarbor , approximately 75 kilometers from the WA border , on Tuesday, April 9, 2025 , at 6:00 am . The man sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to a hospital, where he succumbed later that afternoon.

The truck driver (47-year-old male) and passenger (52-year-old male), both from WA, were uninjured. The crash marks the 25th fatality on South Australian roads this year.

Details of the Crash

  • Crash Date: Tuesday, April 9, 2025 (6:00 am).
  • Location: Eyre Highway, Nullarbor, South Australia (75 km from WA border).
  • Vehicles Involved:
    • A ute driven by an 83-year-old WA man.
    • A truck driven by a 47-year-old WA man, carrying a 52-year-old passenger.

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatality: The 83-year-old ute driver died from critical injuries sustained in the crash.
  • Truck Occupants: The 47-year-old driver and 52-year-old passenger were physically unharmed.

Emergency Response
Emergency services airlifted the injured man to a hospital, but he later died. The Eyre Highway was closed temporarily, with one lane reopened using a contraflow system to manage traffic. Crash investigators traveled to the scene to document evidence.

Community Impact
The crash has raised concerns about safety on the Eyre Highway , the world’s longest straight road, which traverses the remote and arid Nullarbor Plain . The 25th fatality on SA roads this year underscores the risks of long-distance travel on this isolated stretch.

Police Investigation
The South Australia Police are investigating the crash, focusing on:

  • The actions of both drivers leading up to the collision, including speed and road rule compliance.
  • Road conditions, signage, and visibility in the remote Nullarbor area.
  • Potential factors such as fatigue, distraction, or mechanical issues.

Road Safety Context
The Eyre Highway is a critical but challenging route, with long stretches of straight road increasing risks of fatigue-related crashes. Authorities remind drivers to:

  • Take regular breaks during long journeys.
  • Ensure vehicles are mechanically sound before traveling.
  • Stay alert for wildlife and changing road conditions on remote highways.

Appeal for Information
Police are urging anyone with dashcam footage, eyewitness accounts, or information about the crash to contact: