Victorian Woman Killed in Rollover Crash on Dukes Highway Near Wirrega, South Australia – March 14, 2025

Incident Overview
A tragic rollover crash on Dukes Highway near Wirrega , South Australia, has claimed the life of a 53-year-old woman from Victoria. The incident occurred at approximately 8:45 am on Friday, March 14, 2025 , when the silver Mitsubishi Pajero she was traveling in crashed and rolled over. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but the woman succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead.

The driver of the vehicle, a 55-year-old man also from Victoria, was uninjured but taken to the hospital as a precaution. Major Crash officers are investigating the cause of the crash, with road closures and traffic management measures in place for several hours. This marks the 22nd fatality on South Australian roads this year , underscoring ongoing road safety concerns.

Location and Time
The crash occurred on Dukes Highway near Wirrega , a small town approximately 40 kilometers from the Victorian border , in South Australia’s southeast. The incident took place during the morning rush hour at around 8:45 am on Friday, March 14, 2025 .

Vehicles Involved

• A silver **Mitsubishi Pajero**, which rolled over during the crash.

The vehicle sustained significant damage, and emergency crews worked to secure the scene while conducting their investigation.

Crash Description
Initial reports indicate that the Mitsubishi Pajero was traveling on Dukes Highway when it left the roadway and rolled over. Emergency services arrived promptly but were unable to save the female passenger, who died at the scene.

The driver, a 55-year-old Victorian man, was assessed by paramedics and transported to the hospital for further evaluation as a precautionary measure. Major Crash officers conducted a detailed examination of the crash site, including assessing skid marks, vehicle damage, and road conditions. A contra-flow traffic system was implemented to manage congestion and ensure the safety of investigators and motorists.

Injuries/Fatalities

• The 53-year-old female passenger, a Victorian woman, died at the scene despite efforts by emergency services.
• The 55-year-old male driver, also from Victoria, was uninjured but taken to the hospital as a precaution.

Emergency Response
Emergency services, including paramedics and police, responded swiftly to the crash site after receiving reports of the rollover. Despite their best efforts, the female passenger could not be revived and was declared deceased. The driver was assessed and transported to the hospital for observation.

Major Crash officers remained at the scene for several hours to document evidence and reconstruct the events leading up to the crash. A contra-flow traffic system was established to allow safe passage for motorists and investigators, with authorities urging drivers to exercise caution in the area.

Community Impact
The death of the Victorian woman has left the community deeply saddened, particularly given the frequency of fatalities on South Australian roads. This crash marks the 22nd road fatality in the state this year , highlighting the urgent need for improved road safety measures.

Motorists passing through the area have been urged to “drive carefully,” as the crash serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by high-speed highways like Dukes Highway.

Investigation
Major Crash officers are conducting a thorough investigation into the crash, focusing on several key areas:

• Potential factors such as speed, driver error, or mechanical issues with the vehicle.
• Road conditions, signage, and visibility at the time of the crash.
• Whether external factors, such as weather or distraction, contributed to the incident.

Authorities are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage of the crash to come forward to assist with their inquiries.