Update: Two Killed in New Year’s Eve Tarago Rollover – Tarlee, SA – 31 December 2025

What happened

Incident Overview

Two people have been killed following a single-vehicle rollover on the Horrocks Highway near Tarlee in South Australia on New Year’s Eve. A Toyota Tarago carrying eight occupants lost control and rolled as it travelled north of Adelaide. An 18-year-old international student and a 71-year-old grandmother were pronounced dead at the scene. Six other occupants, including the driver, were injured and taken to hospital. Police investigations are ongoing.

• Crash Date: Wednesday, 31 December 2025 (just before midnight)
• Location: Horrocks Highway, near Tarlee, SA

• Toyota Tarago people mover — single-vehicle rollover

• Fatalities:
  • Edson Dioneda, 18 — international student; died at the scene.
  • Fe Desuyo Pantil, 71 — passenger; died at the scene.
• Critical/Serious Injuries:
  • Six occupants — including a 52-year-old female driver; transported to Royal Adelaide Hospital with injuries.

The deaths have deeply affected Adelaide’s Filipino community, with both victims well known within local community circles. Vigils, tributes and fundraising efforts have been organised to support grieving families, including arrangements to return one victim to the Philippines. The crash brought South Australia’s 2025 road toll to 87.

Emergency Response

• Emergency services responded to reports of a vehicle rollover on the Horrocks Highway.
• Major crash investigators attended the scene.
• The highway was closed for several hours while the scene was examined.

Investigation

SA Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the Tarago losing control and rolling.

• Investigators are reviewing vehicle movements prior to the rollover.
• A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Appeal for Information

Police are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage of the Toyota Tarago prior to the rollover to come forward.

• Crime Stoppers SA: Call 1800 333 000 or report online.