Man Killed, Two Injured in Multi-Vehicle Collision at Cambrai, South Australia – May 19, 2025

What happened

Incident Overview

A fatal multi-vehicle collision occurred on Ridley Road in Cambrai , South Australia, on Sunday, May 19, 2025 , at approximately 1:15 pm , resulting in the death of a 59-year-old male driver and injuries to two others.

The crash involved two cars and a truck . The deceased man was driving one of the cars, while the truck driver , a 33-year-old man , and the driver of a Holden SUV , a 69-year-old man , were airlifted to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries .

Following investigations, the truck driver was arrested and charged with causing death by dangerous driving and causing harm by dangerous driving . He was granted bail but has lost his license and is scheduled to appear in the Berri Magistrates Court in August 2025 .

“The 59-year-old male driver of one of the cars died at the scene.”
— South Australia Police statement

• Crash Date: Sunday, May 19, 2025 (approximately 1:15 pm).
• Location: Ridley Road, Cambrai, South Australia — about 91 km northeast of Adelaide.

• A car driven by the deceased 59-year-old man.
• A Holden SUV, driven by a 69-year-old man who sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
• A truck, driven by a 33-year-old man who was also injured and later arrested.

• Fatality:
  • The 59-year-old male driver of one of the cars died at the scene.
• Non-Life-Threatening Injuries:
  • The 33-year-old truck driver and the 69-year-old Holden SUV driver were airlifted to hospital for treatment.

This tragic incident has deeply affected the rural community of Cambrai , particularly due to the loss of life and the involvement of multiple vehicles on a regional road. It highlights the risks faced by drivers on rural roads, where high speeds and heavy vehicles can increase the likelihood of severe outcomes.

For more information on rural road safety, visit: South Australia Road Safety Initiatives

Emergency Response

• Police, paramedics, and emergency services responded swiftly to the crash site after reports of a serious multi-vehicle collision.
• The deceased man was confirmed dead at the scene, while the other two drivers were stabilized and airlifted to hospital.

“The truck driver was arrested and charged with causing death by dangerous driving and causing harm by dangerous driving.”
— South Australia Police update

Legal Proceedings

• The 33-year-old truck driver was arrested following the crash and charged with:
  • Cause death by dangerous driving.
  • Cause harm by dangerous driving.
• He was granted bail and is required to appear in the Berri Magistrates Court in August 2025.
• As part of the conditions of his bail, the truck driver has had his license suspended.

Investigation

South Australia Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, focusing on:

• The sequence of events leading to the collision between the three vehicles.
• Road conditions, visibility, and potential contributing factors such as speed, distraction, or impairment.
• Dashcam or CCTV footage from nearby properties or vehicles around 1:15 pm on May 19, 2025.

Authorities are appealing for witnesses or anyone with relevant information to come forward to assist their inquiry.

Appeal for Information

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam/CCTV footage of Ridley Road, Cambrai around 1:15 pm on May 19, 2025 , is urged to contact authorities:

• Crime Stoppers SA: Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au.
• Witness Reporting: Contact South Australia Police via local station or submit tips through the official website.