Family have paid tribute to Ian and Rose Hampel who were killed in a crash near Gawler
A couple who survived the 2015 Pinery fires have been identified as the victims of a horror crash near Gawler on Friday.
SA News
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A couple killed in a horrific crash in the state’s mid-north has been identified as Magdala locals Ian and Rose Hampel, who were survivors of the Pinery bushfire.
The 67-year-old and 63-year-old respectively were killed when the Toyota ute they were travelling in towards Gawler collided with a truck on Owen Rd near Roseworthy about 2pm Friday.
The crash happened just several hundred metres from their home.
The Hampels, who played in a band together, stayed to defend their home during the Pinery fires in 2015.
Family have penned tributes for the couple on Facebook, with Mr Hampel’s cousin posting on the Wilmington Community Board (South Australia) page: “I wish to advise that my cousin Ian Hampel and his wife Rose sadly lost their lives in a vehicle accident on Friday, 17th of May, 2024. Ian was the eldest son of Ken and Eunice Hampel formerly of Wilmington, SA. Heart felt condolences to Elaine, David and families. Together forever.”
Nephew Ray Hampel posted: “ … going to miss them and especially Uncle Ian’s random conspiracy chats! He knew what the go was in this world! ️”.
The Selleck Transport truck driver, a 65-year-old Smithfield man, was taken to hospital with shock and minor injuries.
In a statement to 7News, the family run business that has operated for 50 years said the driver involved in the tragedy was an experienced one.
The statement said the owners’ priority had always been safety and compliance.
The crash caused the closure of Owen Rd between Roennfeldt and Magdala roads until after midnight Saturday.
Major Crash Officers are investigating the fatal crash and ask anyone that may assist investigators to contact Crime Stoppers.
The deaths are the 35th and 36th lives lost on SA roads this year.
The double fatal comes as a 58-year-old cyclist from Fairview Park fights for life after being struck by a car on The Grove Way, Salisbury East just after 4pm Friday.
The 78-year-old driver of the Mitsubishi from Redwood Park was not injured.
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