Man dies in horror crash at Seaton
- From: AdelaideNow
- December 03, 2010
A teenager, 17, died when his car hit a bus before slamming into a Stobie pole at Seaton. Pic: Jo-anna Robinson Source: The Advertiser
A teenager, 17, died when his car hit a bus before slamming into a Stobie pole at Seaton. Pic: Jo-anna Robinson
THE impact of a fatal Seaton smash was so violent that a car destroyed a Stobie pole after bouncing off a bus during what police have been told was a race.
The youth, 17, was driving south on Frederick Rd about 10pm last night when his white Holden Commodore station wagon hit a bus and then slammed into a Stobie pole, shattering the concrete in the base of the pole and pushing it on a 45 degree angle.Two passengers in the car escaped with minor injuries.
The car hit the Stobie pole with such force it brought down powerlines and caused a blackout in the suburb.
Ambulance crews performed CPR on the teenager but he died at the scene.
Relatives were crying and moaning as they sat on kerbs metres away from his car. One woman was so overcome she had to be carried away from the scene.
Police Major Crash investigators last night photographed the debris from the crash, which was spread over all four lanes and the median strip of Frederick Rd.
Brevet Sergeant Wayne Liebich said police would investigate allegations the man was racing another car, which stopped after the crash.
"Our inquiries with that driver are continuing as are our inquiries with the bus driver," Sgt Liebich said.
"We want to know what exactly took place out here tonight. We believe there are a number of witnesses to the events of the collision and we ask those people to come forward and give their details to police through Crime Stoppers so we can talk to them."
Brothers Tony and Luke Belperio heard the crash from their nearby home.
"It was just a massive explosion virtually ... and all the power went out," Tony said.
He said he could barely see the car.
"There was all this smoke and dust and a flash of light which must have been the power going out," he said.
"Someone asked if they had checked his pulse but there was nothing there."
Luke said the dead man's friends were on the scene immediately.
"There were so many young people, it seemed like there was about a dozen here," Luke said.
Sgt Liebich said the many relatives at the scene were distraught and said everyone should take care on the roads, especially in the busy Christmas period.
"I'd like to hope that everybody's going to have a really happy Christmas but unfortunately in reality they probably won't," Sgt Liebich said.
"It's up to the drivers and the people on our roads to behave appropriately to make sure that they do have a good Christmas."
A 17-year-old male from Royal Park has been charged with cause death by dangerous driving.
Any witnesses should contact BankSA Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.sa.crimestoppers.com.au.
