Horror SA freeway smash allegedly caused by unlicensed truckie

Despite allegedly driving his vehicle into seven cars on a busy SA freeway, an unlicensed Queensland truckie is free to leave the state having appeared in court.

Queensland truck driver Ross Phillip Hicks will be allowed to return home to Forest Glen after a South Australian court granted him bail over a horror crash involving seven other cars and a bus last Sunday.

The crash resulted in nine people being taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital for treatment, however none suffered life threatening injuries.

Mr Hicks’ Mitsubishi truck and trailer allegedly failed to stop at the bottom of the South Eastern Freeway and smashed through the intersection of Portrush and Glen Osmond Rds.

SAPOL Superintendent Bob Gray said it was “miraculous” no one died.

A serious crash at the Toll Gate intersection of Glen Osmond and Portrush Rds where a truck crashed into multiple cars. Picture: Lynton Grace

Traffic delays in the area continued until the following morning, with authorities working quickly to repair the intersection’s lights.

On Wednesday, Mr Hicks, 60, appeared via video link at the Adelaide Magistrates Court, facing charges of acts to endanger life, eight counts of dangerous driving causing harm, driving unlicensed and multiple other heavy vehicle offences.

Ross Phillip Hicks outside the Adelaide watch house surrounded by his wife and supporters. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

Although there were no driving restrictions imposed as bail conditions, Mr Hicks will be required for weekly check-ins at the Maroochydore Police station.

Olivia Fantis, appearing for Mr Hicks, asked the court for 20 weeks to prepare the defence.

He will reappear in the Adelaide Magistrates court in December.

The crash has sparked fresh pleas for a third emergency arrester bed in case truck drivers experience difficulties slowing at the end of the freeway.

In 2014, a more serious, deadly crash occurred, killing two people and seriously injuring another two.

Locals who use the freeway daily say they want to see more action to prevent further catastrophes from occurring. 

Independent member for Kavel representing the Adelaide Hills area, Dan Cregan, wrote to SA Premier Peter Malinauskas and Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis on Monday, pleading with them to consider future investment into the intersection to prevent further crashes.

“We need to be looking at completing an Adelaide Hills freight bypass, as well as a further arrester bed and changes to traffic management measures,” Mr Cregan said.

Anyone with further information about Sunday’s crash is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The serious crash at the Toll Gate intersection in South Australia. Picture: Lynton Grace

Originally published as Horror SA freeway smash allegedly caused by unlicensed truckie