Woman charged over fatal respite trip bus crash at Hayborough

A young woman has been charged over a crash that killed “much loved” NDIS participant Debbie Johnston at the weekend.

A young woman has been charged after a crash at Hayborough that killed a “much loved” NDIS participant.

Police were called to the intersection of Ocean Rd and Port Elliot Rd just after 4.30pm on Sunday September 22, after a Toyota van hit a tree.

A 59-year-old woman from Davoren Park, Debbie Johnston - a wheelchair passenger in the van - died in the crash.

The driver, a 20-year-old woman from Northfield, and front passenger, a 30-year-old woman from Croydon Park, were both taken to hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

On Monday, Major Crash investigators arrested the driver and charged her with causing death by careless use of a motor vehicle and causing injury by careless use of a motor vehicle.

The woman who died in the Hayborough crash was Debbie Johnston. Picture: Facebook

Police and emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash at Hayborough. Picture: Gary Juleff

She was granted police bail to appear at Christies Beach Magistrates Court on November 15.

She was also issued with an instant loss of licence for an indefinite period of time.

Registered Adelaide-based provider Care Assure was on respite visit when the tragedy struck.

Company spokesman Doug Hicks said the disability service providers were doing “everything they can” to assist with the investigation, while stating the driver was qualified enough to be behind the wheel.

“She had recently undergone training on that particular van, so we’re satisfied with her competency to drive that van,” Mr Hicks told 7News.

“We just need to wait and see what caused the accident, what the events and circumstances were and we’ll go from there.”

Friend Megan Roberts, who is also disabled and requires a wheelchair, told 9 News that Ms Johnston had a “very beautiful” personality.

“She was always very, very kind, there was always a smile on her face,” Ms Roberts said.

“What happened to Debbie could happen to any one of us, and it shouldn’t be that way ... We put our trust in these people who drive us around because we can’t do it ourselves.”

Police ask anyone who witnessed the collision or the events leading up to it, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The woman’s death was the 60th life lost on SA roads this year.