‘Your shift is over’: Truckie who was killed in fiery border crash remembered

The truck driver killed in a crash near the SA-Victoria border has been remembered as a “good mate” and one who “touched the hearts of many”.

A truck driver who was killed when he crashed into the back of another truck near the SA-Victoria border has been remembered as someone who “touched the lives of many”.

Steven Lawrie, 46, of Parafield Gardens, was killed when his B-double semi-trailer hit the back of a truck at Serviceton, which was pushed into another truck, causing an explosion about 2.20am on Thursday.

An inquiry has been ordered by SA Police Commisioner Grant Stevens, after the B-double crashed into other queuing trucks, about 1.5km from the border checkpoint, during a rush to escape Greater Melbourne after snap border closures were announced.

Mr Lawrie’s death shocked the state’s transport community, with many friends, family and strangers leaving comments on social media.

Tributes flow for truckie, Steven Lawrie, who died in a fiery crash on the SA and Victoria border. Picture: Facebook

Steven Lawrie has been remembered as a “great mate.” Picture: Facebook

Tributes are flowing for Steven Lawrie. Picture: Facebook

“RIP Steven … and thank you for being my friend,” one comment said.

Another friend described Mr Lawrie as “a great mate” who “touched the lives of many.”

The former MFS firefighter was also remembered as a “legend” by one friend.

“Rest easy, your shift is over. Fight those fires and drink heaps of beer up there mate,” another devastated friend said.

“You will be missed by many, lots of love to your family.”

Others wrote that they could not believe “another great mate” had been “taken way too early”.

The crash has also prompted an investigation by Victoria Police, will also be examining the circumstances that led to the collision.