Stuart Hwy now open after fatal head-on collision at McDouall Peak

The Stuart Hwy has reopened after an elderly Adelaide driver was killed in a head-on crash with a truck on Thursday.

The Stuart Highway has reopened after a horrific fatal crash on Thursday night.

An elderly driver was killed in a head-on crash at McDouall Peak in the state’s Far North, when his van, towing a trailer, hit a truck just after 8pm about 60km south of Coober Pedy.

Serious crash at McDouall Peak on the Stuart Highway, south of Coober Pedy.
The Stuart Highway is closed in both directions as chemicals are leaking from the trailer towed by a van involved in the crash.
Road closures are expected to be in place for most of today. pic.twitter.com/tHafVKIJHM

— South Australia Police (@SAPoliceNews) April 28, 2022

The highway was closed in both directions while emergency crews dealt with chemicals leaking from the trailer, and reopened early Saturday morning.

A Brooklyn Park man, 80, died at the scene.

Driving the truck was a Gawler South man, 46, who was not injured, but was taken to the local hospital as a precaution.

The man’s death is the 26th life lost on SA roads compared to 38 at the same time last year.

It follows a fatal motorcycle crash at Whyalla Norrie which cost the life of a 26-year-old Jarrad Jaye.

The crash happened about 4.20am on Hincks Ave.

Friends and family remembered Mr Jaye as an “amazing lad” who tragically died days before his birthday.