Mount Gambier woman transferred to Adelaide after horror Penola crash that killed male driver

A passenger seriously injured in a fatal single car crash near Penola has been transferred to Adelaide as Mount Gambier mourns the death of the young driver.

Emergency crews have currently closed the Riddoch Hwy between Tower Rd and the Penola by-pass. Picture Arj Ganesan.

A young woman seriously injured in a single car crash that claimed the life of the male driver in the state’s South East on Tuesday has been transferred to an Adelaide hospital.

The 24-year-old Mount Gambier woman is now being treated at the Flinders Medical Centre in a serious but non-life threatening condition following a fatal just south of Penola.

The driver of the Commodore, a 25-year-old Mount Gambier man died at the scene.

Police and emergency services arrived at the Riddoch Hwy at 7.30am Tuesday with the passenger first taken to the Mount Gambier Hospital before being transferred later that night.

The highway was closed for several hours while Major Crash investigators examined the scene.

A steady stream of cars and freight trucks were diverted – with the highway cordoned off between Tower Rd, just opposite the Penola Golf Club, and the Penola bypass.

Limestone Coast acting officer in charge Inspector Karmen Conway wanted to remind motorist to remain cautious during the festive season.

“Do the basics when you get in the car — put your seatbelt on, take your time — do not creep up in the speed limit thinking you will get where you are going any quicker. If you are tired – take a break,” Inspector Conway said.

“The message from Limestone Coast Police is clear — if you are going to have a drink at that Christmas party — do not drive.

“If you take drugs — do not drive.

“If your mobile phone rings or you receive a SMS — do not pick it up to answer it.”

The man’s death brings the South Australian road toll to 95 compared to 90 this time last year.