Port River Expressway multi-vehicle crash at Gillman, SA in November 2022

What happened

Incident Overview

A fatal multi-vehicle crash occurred on the Port River Expressway at Gillman in Adelaides north-west in November 2022, killing 26-year-old Erica Hoy and injuring three others. A District Court found driver Carlie Eileen Richards was mentally incompetent at the time of the crash, but she later pleaded guilty to leaving the scene.

• Crash Date: November 2022 (time not stated)
• Location: Port River Expressway, Gillman, SA

• A car driven by Carlie Eileen Richards
• At least two other vehicles involved in the multi-car collision (exact types not stated)

• Fatalities:
  • Erica Hoy, 26, occupant (role not stated), died at the scene/hospital details not stated
• Injuries:
  • Lisa Hoy (twin sister), occupant (role not stated), seriously injured; hospital details not stated
  • Erica Hoys partner, occupant (role not stated), seriously injured; hospital details not stated
  • Man in a separate vehicle, driver/occupant (role not stated), sustained life-threatening injuries; hospital details not stated

The crash resulted in the death of Erica Hoy and serious injuries to her twin sister and partner, with the case continuing to affect family and the wider community as it progressed through the courts.

Emergency Response

• Emergency response details were not provided in the source report.
• Hospital transport information was not provided in the source report.
• Road closures and diversions were not provided in the source report.

Investigation

The court heard Richards had methylamphetamine in her system and was experiencing a schizo-affective episode at the time of the crash, with the sentencing judge noting an average speed of 157km/h in a 60km/h zone. Richards pleaded guilty to four counts of leaving the scene of an accident and was sentenced to one year and 10 months imprisonment (already served), with a nine-year limiting term under mental health supervision.

• Guilty plea: four counts of leaving the scene of an accident; sentenced to one year and 10 months imprisonment (time served).
• District Court of South Australia: released on licence to a transitional mental health accommodation service; disqualified from driving for 15 years and ordered to comply with psychiatric assessment and treatment.

Appeal for Information

Police appeal details were not included in the source report.

• Crime Stoppers QLD: Call 1800 333 000 or report online.
• Policelink: Call 131 444.