Local man, 21, dies in single-car crash at Stockport in SA’s Mid North region

A young man has died after his car was split in two when it crashed into a tree in the state’s Mid North – and the first on scene says he’ll never forget what he saw.

A 21-year-old man has died after his car slammed into a tree at Stockport, near Tarlee. Picture 7NEWS

A young man has died after his car was split in two when it crashed into a tree in the state’s Mid North – and the first on scene says he’ll never forget what he saw.

Stockport local Phil Cousins had just knocked off work and was heading to see a mate when he rolled up to a scene of pure devastation: a blue Ford sedan torn in two and wrapped around a gum tree.

The 21-year-old driver, also from Stockport, died at the scene.

He was the only person in the car, which veered off Twin Rivers Rd about 8.45pm on Sunday and hit the tree with terrifying force.

It’s understood the man was driving home towards Stockport when he failed to navigate a slight bend, mounted a small hill and collided with a large tree. Picture: Natasha Emeck

“Confronting is understating it, I’m still processing it,” Mr Cousins said.

It’s understood the young man was heading home towards Stockport when he failed to navigate a slight bend, mounted a rise and collided with a tree.

“Debris was scattered more than 50 metres from the scene,” Mr Cousins said.

He said he did what he could to try and help but quickly realised it was too late.

“I attempted first aid but it was pointless,” he said.

A nurse who pulled over confirmed the young man was beyond help and called police.

It is understood the victim’s mate, who had been driving behind him, had also watched the horror unfold.

Mr Cousins said he stayed with the shaken friend to comfort him and keep him away from the wreck.

The crash – which happened roughly halfway between Stockport and Hamley Bridge – came barely 24 hours after another car rolled along the same stretch of road, sparking community anger over its dangerous state.

The man's death is the 36th life lost on SA roads this year. Picture: Natasha Emeck

“There’s been roadworks out there and there’s still a lot of loose gravel left all over, they need to fix it before something like this happens again,” one resident said.

Other residents say the stretch of rural road is known for wildlife and can be hazardous at night.

“You get roos through there all the time,” one resident said.

“Once the sun goes down, you’ve got to be careful.”

By Monday morning, only black skid marks, torn-up debris and a scarred gum tree were all that remained at the crash site.

Major Crash investigators attended the scene, and the road was closed for several hours before reopening.

The man’s death is the 36th fatality on South Australian roads this year.

Originally published as Local man, 21, dies in single-car crash at Stockport in SA’s Mid North region