Man dies after crashing motorbike into tree near Mount Barker, while car involved in serious smash on Stuart Hwy

A 19-year-old motorcyclist has died after smashing into a tree near Mount Barker on Monday afternoon, becoming the 68th life lost on SA roads this year. Meanwhile, emergency services have gone to the scene of a serious crash on the Stuart Hwy.

A 19-year-old man has died after crashing his motorbike at Petwood. Picture: Emma Brasier

• SA Police launch new road safety campaign

A teenager has died after crashing his dirt motorbike into a tree in the Adelaide Hills on Monday afternoon.

Just after 5pm, a 19-year-old man crashed into a tree near the intersection of Ironstone Range and Petwood roads at Petwood.

The teenager, of Mount Barker, died at the scene.

It is the 15th motorcyclist death in SA this year.

Major Crash officers investigated the scene well into the evening. Picture: Emma Brasier

Major Crash officers closed the intersection for several hours as they investigated the incident.

There have now been 68 lives lost on SA roads this year, compared with 80 at the same time in 2019.

Meanwhile, emergency services have gone to the scene of a serious crash near Marla, in the state’s Far North.

The single vehicle crash happened about 7.15am on Tuesday on the Stuart Hwy, about 19km north of Marla.

The highway remains open, but motorists are asked to slow down and take care while passing emergency services vehicles and personnel.

Major Crash investigators have headed to the scene to help with the investigation.

The 19-year-old motorcyclist’s death follows several warnings to take care on the roads over the long weekend.

On Friday, police revealed a confronting campaign called “Speeders Come Out Of Nowhere” which was aimed at drivers who think they can safely exceed the speed limit. 

Head of traffic Superintendent Bob Gray said October is one of the most dangerous times of the year to be a road user.

Last year, there were three deaths over the October long weekend.