December 10, 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
The family of a man killed in the 2014 South-Eastern Freeway truck crash have addressed the South Australian Supreme Court, more than 11 years after the fatal incident. During sentencing submissions on 10 December 2025, the court heard heavily redacted victim impact statements from the daughters of one of the victims, Thomas Spiess. The crash, involving a Cleanaway Operations waste truck, killed two people and injured two others at the base of the freeway in August 2014. The proceedings relate to corporate health and safety breaches, with a penalty yet to be imposed.

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: August 2014
  • Update Date: Wednesday, 10 December 2025
  • Location: South-Eastern Freeway down-track, Adelaide, SA

Vehicles Involved

  • Cleanaway Operations waste truck — lost control while descending the freeway
  • Passenger vehicles — struck at the base of the freeway

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatalities:
    • Thomas Spiess, 57 — died at the scene.
    • Jacqueline Byrne, 41 — died at the scene.
  • Other Injuries:
    • Two motorists — injured in the crash (one later provided a victim impact statement).
    • Truck driver — seriously injured and lost a leg.

Emergency Response

  • Emergency services attended the South-Eastern Freeway following the out-of-control truck collision.
  • The truck was reported to have reached speeds of up to 151km/h before impact.
  • The scene was secured and investigated by police and safety authorities.

Police Investigation
The crash was the subject of extensive investigations and subsequent legal proceedings.

  • The truck driver was initially charged, but charges were later dropped; he subsequently gave evidence against his employer.
  • Cleanaway Operations was convicted of health and safety breaches, with several counts later reduced on appeal.
  • At the time of the crash, the driver had seven days’ experience driving heavy vehicles and limited familiarity with the freeway.
  • The company has since overhauled driver training and steep-route risk assessments.

Community Impact
Victim impact statements described enduring grief, anxiety, and the emotional toll of waiting more than a decade for justice. Family members said the prolonged legal process had affected their children’s upbringing and everyday lives. The case remains deeply etched in South Australia’s collective memory, with the freeway’s dangers widely recognised.

Appeal for Information
The investigation phase has concluded and the matter is now before the courts for sentencing.

  • Crime Stoppers SA: Call 1800 333 000 for any historical information relevant to the case.