The Stuart Highway will remain closed for up to a week following a fiery double fatality in the State’s Far North that has caused significant damage to the roadway.
Police say a crash involving a B-double truck and a Ford utility occurred on the highway between Pimba and Glendambo about 12.15pm yesterday, with both vehicles then catching fire.
“On investigation, the driver of the Ford ute a 23-year-old man from the ACT and a passenger in the truck a 57-year-old woman from Para Vista died at the scene,” SA Police said in a statement.
The truck driver, a 49-year-old man from Para Vista was airlifted to the Royal Adelaide Hospital in a critical condition.
“The highway remains closed to all traffic in both directions as the road surface has been damaged by the crash and fire,” police said.
SES volunteers are assisting with traffic control. Northbound traffic on the Stuart Highway is being diverted at Pimba and vehicles travelling south towards Adelaide are being diverted at Coober Pedy.
“Please don’t attempt to use access and back roads that are unsuitable for your vehicle.”
“We ask members of the public to please contact the Dept of Infrastructure and Transport on road closures and detours on 1300 872 677.”
Major Crash Investigators flew to the scene from Adelaide to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The  two deaths brings the number of lives lost on SA roads this year to 20 compared to 17.
