Four men killed in horror crash near Penola
UPDATED: Three of the victims of Saturday’s horror crash that claimed four young lives near Penola have now been named.
THE community of Limestone Coast is in shock over the deaths of four workmates in a horror crash just outside of Penola.
Family and friends were last night mourning the loss of forestry workers Steven Whitehead, Reece Wilkinson and Chris Sylvester and a fourth person. The victims — aged 28, 23, 22 and 17 and from the state’s South-East — died when their Mitsubishi Triton dual cab ute, which was towing a small diesel tank, rolled on the Riddoch Hwy, 150m south of the town about 3am yesterday.
It is understood the quartet, who were employed by Tabeel Trading, of Mt Gambier, were heading to work when the tragedy happened.
The families of Mr Wilkinson and Mr Sylvester were too distraught to talk to the Sunday Mail last night. Mr Sylvester’s sister, Michelle Sylvester, paid tribute to her sibling with a poignant Facebook message. “Family is forever. Fly high little bro,” she wrote.
Wattle Range mayor Peter Gandolfi said the crash would cause shockwaves in the tight-knit Limestone Coast community.
“It’s a tragic accident and the loss of those young men will have a devastating effect on the families of the young men and the broader community,” he said.
“There will be close connections throughout the whole South-East area, particularly among those who worked and played sports with these young men.
“Our condolences go out to those who have lost a loved one, their families, workmates and their friends.
Penola resident Des Fennell, who lives about 1km from the crash scene, said he heard a loud bang about 3am yesterday.
“I flew out of bed and when I got down here the police said there was an accident,” he said.
“Apparently they were going to work. It was a fair mess.”
He said forestry workers in the area tended to work long hours and travelled long distances to worksites around the South-East.
He said the stretch of road was generally safe and few crashes had occurred on the road.
Wattle Range CFS group officer Fred Stent said one of the occupants survived the rollover but, despite their best efforts, ambulance officers were unable to save him.
“It has a big impact, you’ve got the families here … then you’ve got the people that have been here,” Mr Stent said. He said his heart went out to the victims’ families.
“I just couldn’t put it into words really, I feel very, very sad for them, I really do.”
Mr Stent, who has been a volunteer for more than 40 years, said attending incidents such as this horrific crash was an unfortunate part of the job which “never” gets easier.
SA Police Sergeant Ryan Meakin said the scene, like any crash, was confronting.
“Obviously this is a tragic incident which is going to have a profound effect on the families of those involved and the wider Limestone Coast community,” he said.
Sgt Meakin would not elaborate on the details of the crash while the investigation was ongoing. He urged the community to rally around the victims’ families and “support each other” during the tough times, which would be made more difficult going into the festive season.
Sgt Meakin said officers who attended the scene would receive counselling, and encouraged all drivers to take care on the road.
The state’s road toll is now 83, compared with 93 at the same time last year.
