SAPOL | Fatal Truck Crash at SA-Vic CovId Border Sparks Checkpoint Inquiry as SAPOL Blamed by VTA

11 February 2021 - 12 February 2021

Fiery Truck Crash Sparks Debate Over Border Checkpoint Management


The tragic death of truck driver Steven Lawrie, 46, from Parafield Gardens, South Australia, in a fiery crash at the Victoria-South Australia border in February 2021 has raised questions about the management of COVID-19 border checkpoints.

The accident occurred on the Western Highway at Serviceton, near the South Australian border, when Mr. Lawrie’s truck collided with another stationary truck in a queue of vehicles waiting to cross into South Australia. The collision caused the first vehicle to burst into flames, with the fire spreading to two other trucks. Mr. Lawrie tragically lost his life in the accident, while the other drivers involved suffered minor injuries or were uninjured.

The traffic build-up was caused by a snap decision to impose new border restrictions in response to a COVID-19 outbreak in Greater Melbourne. Witnesses reported that trucks had queued for kilometres, with over 1,000 vehicles passing through the checkpoint nightly.

In response, SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens launched a major inquiry into how traffic flows at checkpoints were managed. The investigation examined staffing levels, checkpoint operations, and whether the checkpoint's design contributed to the accident. Commissioner Stevens stated, “We will do a proper inquiry… to provide a factual assessment of exactly what’s transpired and what the causative factors were.”

Opinions in the transport industry were divided. Steve Shearer of the SA Road Transport Association argued that the crash was caused by driver error, stating that all drivers must remain vigilant and adjust to traffic conditions. However, Simon Goodwin, director of Goodwin Freight, raised concerns about the inherent dangers of long traffic queues, particularly on single-lane highways where large vehicles like B-doubles have limited manoeuvrability.

A subsequent coroner’s report released in May 2022 ruled that border checkpoint operations were not a contributing factor to the fatal crash. Coroner Simon McGregor attributed the accident to "unexplained driver error" and found no evidence of mechanical faults, phone distraction, or fatigue. He noted Mr. Lawrie had a pre-existing heart condition that could have caused him to pass out but stated that this was not definitively proven.

The report confirmed that the checkpoint was operating in accordance with Australian standards, and signage on the Western Highway provided adequate warnings of the backlog. Mr. McGregor concluded, “None of the shortcomings or deficiencies identified was causative to the fatal collision.”


Source |
ABC News Australia
9 News Australia
Sky News Australia