February 25, 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 81-year-old Victorian woman tragically lost her life in a car crash near Penola, South Australia, on Monday, February 24, 2025 . The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 am when the Toyota Hilux she was traveling in crashed and rolled along Casterton Road. The elderly passenger sustained critical injuries and was declared deceased at the scene. The 54-year-old male driver, also from Victoria, was hospitalized with serious injuries. Major Crash Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the crash, and authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward.

Location and Time
The crash occurred on Casterton Road in Penola, a small town located in South Australia’s southeast region. The incident took place at approximately 10:30 am on Monday, February 24, 2025 , during morning travel hours. Casterton Road remains closed as emergency services and investigators work to clear the scene and determine the cause of the crash.

Vehicles Involved
The crash involved a single vehicle—a Toyota Hilux utility truck. The vehicle, driven by a 54-year-old man, rolled over after crashing along Casterton Road. The force of the rollover left both occupants injured, with the elderly female passenger succumbing to her injuries at the scene.

Crash Description
Police reports indicate that the Toyota Hilux was traveling along Casterton Road when it veered off course and rolled over. Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after the crash was reported. Despite their efforts, the 81-year-old female passenger could not be revived and was pronounced deceased.

The 54-year-old male driver was extricated from the wreckage and transported to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. His condition remains under observation, and authorities have not yet released further details about his injuries.

Major Crash Investigators attended the scene to examine skid marks, vehicle damage, and environmental factors that may have contributed to the crash. They are also appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to assist in piecing together the events leading up to the incident.

Injuries/Fatalities

  • The 81-year-old female passenger tragically died at the scene due to critical injuries sustained in the crash.
  • The 54-year-old male driver was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. His condition is currently being monitored.

No other individuals were involved in the crash.

Emergency Response
Emergency services, including paramedics and police, were dispatched to the scene shortly after the crash was reported. Paramedics worked tirelessly to stabilize the male driver before transporting him to the hospital for urgent medical care. Unfortunately, the elderly female passenger could not be revived despite the best efforts of first responders.

Major Crash Investigators secured the area and conducted a detailed examination of the crash site. Authorities have implemented road closures and diversions along Casterton Road, urging motorists to use alternative routes such as Riddoch Highway.

Community Impact
The tragic death of the 81-year-old woman has deeply affected the Penola community, particularly given the rural nature of the area and the frequency of road accidents on regional roads like Casterton Road. Her passing marks the 18th life lost on South Australian roads this year, highlighting the ongoing need for improved road safety measures.

Residents and local authorities are calling for increased awareness campaigns, better signage, and improved infrastructure to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The crash serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by rural roads, where conditions can vary significantly and response times for emergency services may be longer.

Investigation
Major Crash Investigators are conducting an ongoing investigation into the crash, focusing on several key areas:

  • The actions of the driver in the moments leading up to the crash.
  • Potential contributing factors such as speed, road conditions, or mechanical issues with the vehicle.
  • Environmental conditions, including visibility and weather, at the time of the crash.

Authorities are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward. Information can be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or submitting a report online at www.crimestoppers.com.au .

Contributing Factors
While the investigation is ongoing, potential contributing factors include:

  • Excessive speed or loss of vehicle control.
  • Road conditions, such as uneven surfaces or lack of signage.
  • Driver distraction or fatigue, particularly given the long-distance travel often associated with regional roads.
  • Mechanical issues with the Toyota Hilux that may have caused the vehicle to roll over.