A 68-year-old Mount Gambier man has died after being struck by a utility vehicle on Jubilee Highway West on Wednesday afternoon, marking another tragic loss on South Australia’s roads and prompting an ongoing investigation by Major Crash officers.
Emergency services were called to the scene shortly before 3:45 p.m. on June 17 following reports of a serious collision involving a pedestrian and a ute in Mount Gambier. Upon arrival, first responders found the pedestrian critically injured.
Despite efforts by emergency personnel, the man succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities later confirmed that the deceased was a 68-year-old resident of Mount Gambier.
The driver of the vehicle involved, a 23-year-old man from Glenburnie, was not physically injured in the collision. Police have not announced any charges, and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash remain ongoing.
The fatal incident occurred along Jubilee Highway West, a major roadway in the region. Following the crash, the highway was closed for several hours as emergency services, forensic crash investigators, and traffic management personnel worked at the scene. The closure caused significant traffic disruptions while investigators conducted a detailed examination of the area and gathered evidence.
The road was reopened to motorists overnight after authorities completed their initial assessment.
Major Crash investigators attended the scene and are continuing efforts to determine exactly how the collision occurred. Investigators are expected to review physical evidence, witness statements, and any available video footage as part of their inquiry.
Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who was travelling in the area around the time of the incident to come forward. Investigators are particularly interested in obtaining dashcam footage from motorists who were driving along Jubilee Highway West on Wednesday afternoon, as well as any CCTV recordings from nearby businesses or properties that may have captured relevant information.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers online or by telephone and quote reference number 159242.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the ongoing concern surrounding road safety across South Australia. The death of the Mount Gambier man represents the 53rd road fatality recorded in the state so far this year, according to police statistics.
Road safety advocates and authorities continue to emphasize the importance of vigilance from both motorists and pedestrians. Fatal crashes involving pedestrians are among the most devastating incidents on Australian roads, often leaving families, witnesses, emergency responders, and communities deeply affected.
For the Mount Gambier community, Wednesday’s fatal collision serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can be changed by a single moment on the road. While authorities work to determine the exact circumstances of the incident, family members and loved ones are now left to grieve the loss of a man whose life ended tragically and unexpectedly.
Police have indicated that further information may be released as the investigation progresses. In the meantime, they continue to appeal for public assistance in establishing a complete picture of the events leading up to the fatal collision.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or submit a report online, quoting reference number 159242.
