NewsBite

SA Police confirm identity of Lyndoch man in Cockatoo Valley fatal crash

The driver of a vehicle that slammed into a tree and sparked a grassfire has been identified more than a day after the tragedy.

The aftermath of the fatal crash on Williamstown Road in Cockatoo Valley. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Morgan Sette
The aftermath of the fatal crash on Williamstown Road in Cockatoo Valley. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Morgan Sette

A man killed in a fiery single-vehicle crash in Cockatoo Valley has been identified a day after the horrific incident.

A 36-year-old Lyndoch man was the sole occupant of a Hyundai Excel that slammed into a tree and caught alight, sparking a grassfire in an adjacent paddock, about 1.30pm Tuesday, February 13.

The crash closed Williamstown Rd in Cockatoo Valley for several hours as investigations got under way including into the identity of the man.

The blaze spread to a nearby paddock. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Morgan Sette
The blaze spread to a nearby paddock. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Morgan Sette
Nearby locals say they have no idea how the horrific crash unfolded. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Morgan Sette
Nearby locals say they have no idea how the horrific crash unfolded. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Morgan Sette

The vehicle was extensively damaged in the initial crash that tore off a front wheel, before it caught alight and burnt to just the shell.

The fire spread onto the paddock and the blaze climbed two tall pine trees on the side of the road, and about 300sq m of grassland was burned.

CFS crews required two hours, as well as seven trucks and five firefighting aircraft, to battle the flames.

Residents living in the surrounding area of the crash shared their confusion surrounding the crash.

Ian Edwards, 71, was among the first to respond to the crash after hearing the “loud bangs” at the front of his property.

“I don’t understand how it happened and I don’t know who the driver was, and it seems others aren’t sure either,” he said.

Lyndoch is about 6km from Cockatoo Valley.

SA Police thanked the members of the public who stopped at the scene and tried to help the man.

The Lyndoch man is the 10th death on South Australian roads so far this year.

Any witnesses police are yet to speak to officers about the crash are urged to come forward.

Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/sa-police-confirm-identiy-of-lyndoch-man-in-cockatoo-valley-fatal-crash/news-story/b8aa1e805dca5f37c9c8268bc33815c8