POLICE have hailed the heroic actions from members of the public who helped rescue the surviving driver from a burning van following Tuesday afternoon’s fatal crash near Lucindale.
The South East community has been left devastated after two Kingston residents were killed in a horrific crash between an SUV and a van on Lucindale Road.
The surviving 35-year-old Naracoorte man – who has since been charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving – was taken to the local Naracoorte Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
While the exact details of his rescue were unknown, Limestone Coast Police Operations Inspector Campbell Hill said the response from passerby drivers was highly commendable.
“It never ceases to amaze us as police officers how members of the public are so willing to assist in a time of crisis,” Insp Hill said.
“Their action to respond while dealing with the exposure of such a horrific incident is highly commendable.”
Not attempting to take the shine away from their courageous actions, Insp Hill encouraged members of the public to always make their own safety a priority during dangerous incidents.
“At the end of the day it is the individual’s decision, but we just ask for people to always consider their own safety,” he said.
The crash sparked a fire, which completely incinerated both vehicles involved in the crash.
It spread to nearby scrub, however the quick response from Country Fire Service volunteers prevented it from getting out of control.
Two occupants of the SUV, a 60-year-old man and a 49-year-old woman, both from Kingston, died at the scene.
“Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased,” Insp Hill said.
Major Crash Investigators arrived at the site of the crash yesterday afternoon and examined the scene late into the evening.
Insp Hill said it was quite a horrific incident, making it a difficult job for both volunteers and local officers.
“That’s the thing with rural incidents such as these, often people involved are known to some volunteers,” Insp Hill said.
“It was really confronting for everyone and we really appreciate the volunteers who are called away from their own lives and are then exposed to this trauma.”
He said it was a poignant reminder of the risks involved with driving in regional areas.
“We will keep re-iterating the fatal five – in particular speed and distraction – because they can have a significant impact on our high speed rural roads,” he said.
“Things can change really quickly and have tragic consequences.”
Insp Hill called on anyone travelling in the area of the crash between 12pm and 1pm who may have dash cam footage of the vehicles involved to report it online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or by calling 1800 333 000.
“We would also be interested in speaking to any witnesses who may have seen the two vehicles travelling in the area,” he said.
