October 26, 2025

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Incident Overview
More than 1,000 homes across South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula lost power after an unlicensed driver crashed into a Stobie pole on Saturday evening, October 25, 2025.

The crash occurred around 6:45 pm at the intersection of Yorke Highway and Spencer Highway in Minlaton, instantly triggering an electrical outage that affected several towns.

Police said a 40-year-old man from Munno Para, driving an SUV, collided with the steel-and-concrete pole. He was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while his 35-year-old female passenger escaped injury.

“The driver was reported for driving unregistered, uninsured, unlicensed and with unassigned plates and for driving in a careless manner.” — South Australia Police

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025 (approximately 6:45 pm)
  • Location: Intersection of Yorke Highway and Spencer Highway, Minlaton, Yorke Peninsula, South Australia

Vehicles Involved

  • SUV (unregistered and uninsured vehicle driven by unlicensed male)

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatalities: None reported.
  • Injuries:
    • 40-year-old male driver from Munno Para — non-life-threatening injuries, taken to hospital.
    • 35-year-old female passenger — uninjured.

Emergency Response

  • Emergency services responded at approximately 6:45 pm after reports of a crash involving a Stobie pole and subsequent power outage.
  • Paramedics treated the male driver at the scene before transporting him to hospital.
  • SA Power Networks dispatched crews to replace the damaged pole and restore electricity to affected communities.
  • Power was fully restored around **1:00 am Sunday**, following pole replacement and system repairs.

“SA Power Networks said 1142 households lost power, including homes in Minlaton, Hardwicke Bay, Bluff Beach, Parsons Beach and Port Rickaby.” — 7NEWS Adelaide

Police Investigation
South Australia Police have confirmed the 40-year-old driver was:

  • Unlicensed — had never held a driver’s licence.
  • Driving an **unregistered and uninsured vehicle**.
  • Displaying **incorrect and altered number plates**.
  • Driving in a **careless manner**.

He has been reported for multiple offences and may face court at a later date. The collision investigation remains ongoing to determine if speed or distraction played a role.

Community Impact
The crash caused a significant power outage across several Yorke Peninsula communities, affecting 1,142 homes in Minlaton, Hardwicke Bay, Bluff Beach, Parsons Beach, and Port Rickaby.

Local authorities commended SA Power Networks for the rapid overnight response, which involved complete replacement of the damaged Stobie pole under challenging night conditions.

Residents expressed frustration over the reckless behaviour that caused the disruption, as well as relief that no lives were lost.

Appeal for Information
Anyone who witnessed the crash or saw the SUV before impact is urged to contact:

  • Crime Stoppers SA: Call 1800 333 000 or submit information online at [www.crimestopperssa.com.au](https://www.crimestopperssa.com.au)
  • Local Police: Yorketown or Maitland Police Stations.