Mount Barker man dies after crash at Cleland on Mount Lofty Summit Rd

Residents and businesses have called for a reduced speed limit after a car ploughed down an embankment in the Hills – killing the driver.

Local residents and businesses have described a Cleland black spot where a car left the road and ploughed down an embankment – killing the driver – as “terrifyingly dangerous”.

A 24-year-old Mount Barker man died after a shocking crash near Mt Lofty Summit at Cleland on Monday, marking the second fatal crash in a day.

Police said his car left the road and plunged about 20m down an embankment on Mount Lofty Summit Rd about 3.30pm Monday.

Emergency services freed the driver from the wreckage of the blue Toyota Corolla and he was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital in a critical condition but died overnight.

The Summit Cafe and Function Centre business manager Andrew Norris described the road as “terrifyingly dangerous”.

Business manager at The Summit Cafe and Function Centre, Andrew Norris. Picture: Shashi Baltutis

Mr Norris, 28, said he used the road to travel to work and recalled having “close calls driving next to buses”.

He called for extra safety measures to be implemented in the area.

“There’s nothing to protect you,” Mr Norris said.

“There could be a reduced speed limit going around corners, having some slower 40km/h speed signs.”

A 24-year-old Mount Barker man has died after his car plunged about 20 metres down an embankment on Mount Lofty Summit Road. Picture: 7NEWS Adelaide

Sarah, who lives along Mt Lofty Summit Rd, said she often drove along to “check” if anyone has gone over the embankment.

“I feel for him because you see so many cars going over,” Sarah, 50, said.

“Most people have been able to get out and walk away and their car is a total wreck. Maybe he didn’t realise it was a sharp turn.”

Sarah said she had experienced near-misses with large vehicles along the road.

“So many times I’ve been pushed to the edge and it’s lucky I haven’t gone off and if I wasn’t driving slow I would’ve been off or in the bank,” she said. “We get so many buses and trucks that use this road.”

Sarah said there was a “definite” need for railing along the road.

“It’s a small road and there’s nowhere to go, it’s scary,” she said.

Sarah recalls “often” seeing crime-scene tape after a driver has gone off the edge.

She said young people “don’t realise how dangerous” the road is.

“My son learned to drive on this road because I wanted him to a learn to drive in the Hills and to be careful,” she said.

Sarah said “every night” at 10pm she heard cars racing along the winding road despite the speed limit being changed to 60km/h from 80km/h earlier this year.

“They race along here all the time and I hear them every night,” she said. “We can hear them as if they are right by our window.”

A Department for Infrastructure and Transport spokeswoman would not confirm whether additional safety measures were being look at on the road.

“We’re saddened by the death of the driver at Mount Lofty Summit Road, Cleland,” the spokeswoman said.

“While SA Police investigations continue, we’re unable to comment on what may have led to the accident.”

Emergency services at the scene of the crash at Cleland. Picture: George Yankovich

Emergency services at the scene of the crash at Cleland. Picture: George Yankovich

The steep embankment on Mount Lofty Summit Road. Picture: Shashi Baltutis

The 24-year-old’s death is the 84th life lost on SA roads compared with 55 the same time last year.

Mount Lofty Summit Rd was closed and reopened about 7pm Monday, while Major Crash officers examined the scene.

Investigations into the crash are still ongoing and police are urging anyone who witnessed the blue Toyota Corolla driving just before the crash to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au.

This comes after a 72-year-old Berri man died after a crash in the Riverland. on Monday afternoon.