Fatal crash at Penfield: 16-yo driver charged after teen killed in crash on Edinburgh RAAF base

A 17-year-old killed in a horrific crash at the Edinburgh RAAF base has been described by family as a “lovely person”, as his school mourns the “charismatic, popular” boy.

Family have described the teenager killed in a horrific crash at Adelaide’s Edinburgh RAAF base as a “lovely person” who was “the centre of the family”.

Year 12 college student Atem Kuany, 17, of Craigmore, was killed when the Holden Commodore he was a passenger in crashed at the military facility on Andrews Rd, in the northern suburbs.

The teenage driver, also from Craigmore, has been charged. A court heard the teen, 16, was disqualified.

Dozens of distressed family and friends were gathered at the Atem’s northern suburbs home on Wednesday to mourn as they waited for more information.

Distraught relatives called on police to allow them to see his body.

Atem Kuany, 17, of Craigmore, was killed in tragic accident at the Edinburgh RAAF base. Picture: Supplied

Family members gather outside Atem Kuany’s home with his father Elijah (third from right). Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

His father Elijah Kuany, originally from north Kenya, said the family will not accept his death until they have seen him with their own eyes.

“The people here want to see the body to know that Atem died,” he said.

“We requested that this morning and have had no outcome up until now.”

Mr Kuany said he received a knock on the door from three plain-clothed police officers at 1.35am.

“They asked me if Atem was home and I asked them why they were asking that question. They told me Atem died in hospital with a head injury,” he said.

“Atem is not here (at home) now, but to prove Atem died, we want to see.”

His mother Ayon Atem Beek was too distressed to talk.

Atem’s cousin Dut Manyoun said he was the youngest of three brothers and was set to celebrate his 18th birthday next month.

“Atem is a lovely person, as you can see by how many people are here inside the house,” he said.

“He was the centre of the family.”

Police say the driver and two passengers fled but were apprehended on the base. Images: 7NEWS Adelaide

Floral tributes left at the scene of a fatal car crash at Edinburgh RAAF base. Picture: Todd Lewis

Atem was born in Kenya and moved to Australia with his family in 2007.

He attended Trinity College where he was just months away from completing his year 12 studies.

“When I called the school this morning, many students were away from the class,” Mr Kuany said.

Mr Kuany said he was a talented basketballer, footballer and soccer player.

“He played basketball and football at the college,” he said.

“He used to play soccer for Salisbury, he just loved sports.”

Cousin Abraham Juach said the family needed more clarity so they could grieve.

“Atem is loved by the community and all his friends and family, so we are eager to see his body,” he said.

Nick Hately, headmaster of Trinity College, Gawler also paid tribute to the “valued member of our community”, whose death had left everyone “devastated”.

He said the school’s thoughts and prayers were with his parents, siblings, family and friends, who “are an integral part of our college”.

Police and emergency services at the scene last night. Images: 7NEWS Adelaide

“Atem was a charismatic and popular student,” he said.

“Teachers describe him as a gifted writer with big plans for running his own business in the future.

“He embraced opportunities enthusiastically in our football and basketball teams and was known by many.

“This sad and tragic event is the nightmare of every parent. Our prayers go out to all, and especially to those providing support.”

He said wellbeing and chaplaincy teams were providing support to students and staff.

“This means, among other things, returning the school to normal routines as soon as possible and recognising that some student may be impacted by the ripples of this for some time,” another note said.

Several friends gathered at the scene of the crash to lay tributes and pay their respects on Wednesday afternoon.

“AK” was written in the grass with LED candles while a plate in the middle was adorned with the words ‘Long live Atem’.

One message left at the scene read “Thank you for everything. You deserved better.”

A 17-year-old boy was killed when this car smashed into a fence on the RAAF base at Edinburgh. Images: 7NEWS Adelaide

Earlier police said the driver, 16, and two other passengers fled into the highly secure military facility.

The passengers, a man from Melton in Victoria, 21, and an Elizabeth South woman, 18, were taken to the Lyell McEwin Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

No charges have been laid against them.

Family member Mary Ajang said they are not aware of who was in the car.

“There were four people in the car and they sound like African kids, but that’s all we know,” she said.

“We are crying and our brain cannot process this. We need to see, to believe, that he is gone.”

Major Crash investigators attended and investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.

Patrols had tried to stop the car on Petherton Rd at Andrews Farm just after 9.30pm Tuesday as it was defected but it failed to stop.

Police did not pursue the car but were called to the base’s Penfield area moments later after the same car crashed through a fence.

Three people were seen running from the car and a passenger was found lying on the ground next to the car.

Atem was rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital for treatment but died a short time later.

The police helicopter and ground patrols involving RAAF personnel searched the base and found the three youths.

The driver, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested and taken to the Lyell McEwin Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

He has since been charged with aggravated causing death by dangerous driving, leaving the scene of a serious crash and numerous other traffic offences.

He was remanded in custody after appearing in the Elizabeth Youth Court late on Wednesday.

The teenager’s death is the 53rd life lost this year compared to 68 at the same time last year.

It follows a fatal crash at Black Forest on Tuesday, after a woman was hit by a train.

The Clarence Park woman, 63, was struck and killed just after 1pm.