Victorian couple killed in horror crash near Willalooka in SA’s South-East identified

A Victorian couple who died in a shocking two-vehicle smash in SA’s South-East have been identified, as a Padthaway man from a prominent wine making family was charged.

A Victorian couple killed in a horror two-vehicle smash in SA’s South-East have been identified.

It comes as a young Padthaway man seriously injured in the crash was revealed as the son of a prominent wine-making family.

James Bryson, 21, suffered injuries in the double-fatal crash on the Riddoch Highway at the intersection of McGrice Rd outside Willalooka on Saturday.

The occupants of the second car, who died at the scene, are a 77-year-old male driver and a 65-year-old female passenger, both from Warrnambool in Victoria.

Mr Bryson was taken to Mount Gambier Hospital in a serious condition, but has since been transferred to the Royal Adelaide Hospital where his condition is understood to have stabilised.

He celebrated his 21st birthday in September with his mum Karen Bryson sharing photos of her son lining up for the Padthaway Lions Football Club and wearing a St Peter’s College uniform.

James Bryson of Padthaway. Picture: Facebook

The scene of double fatal crash on the Riddoch Highway, outside Willalooka. Picture: Russell Millard Photography

The 21-year-old was driving a Toyota when it and a Ford collided about 9.40am Saturday.

Major Crash officers arrested the Padthaway man and charged him with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

He was granted bail to appear in Naracoorte Magistrates Court in January.

The busy Riddoch Highway links travellers through to Mount Gambier, taking motorists through wine country on well-marked roads.

Margie Hortop, 75, has driven the highway most of her life.

She said her thoughts were with the families of the Victorian couple, and with Mr Bryson.

The scene of the fatal crash in the state’s South-East. Picture: 7NEWS

“I’ve travelled the Riddoch Highway all my life and have never had any issues,” the Penola resident said.

“Every road has got busier over the years, but also the quality of roads has improved.

“I just think, those poor people.”

Willalooka locals told The Advertiser they had not experienced any issues with the Riddoch Highway, where caravans and trucks number almost as many as cars on a Sunday.

The Warrnambool couple’s deaths were the 99th and 100th deaths on South Australian roads.

After the death of Police Commissioner Grant Stevens’s son Charlie Stevens, the road toll is now 101, compared to 61 at the same time last year.

Originally published as Victorian couple killed in horror crash near Willalooka in SA’s South-East identified