Coroner's Finding: Spiess, Thomas Wolfram and Byrne, Jacqueline

Unknown·Thomas Wolfram Spiess: head, neck and chest injuries; Jacqueline Byrne: multiple injuries

On 18 August 2014, a 14-tonne effluent truck lost control on South Eastern Freeway's steep downhill section and struck multiple vehicles at high speed, killing Thomas Spiess (aged 56) and Jacqueline Byrne (aged 41). Spiess died at the scene; Byrne died in Royal Adelaide Hospital after emergency treatment. The truck approached the intersection at approximately 140 km/h. Investigation revealed the driver failed to select an appropriate low gear, the truck's brakes were faulty, and speed limits for trucks with fewer than five axles were inadequate. The inquest was delayed 12 years due to criminal proceedings but was concluded in 2026. The coroner affirmed previously-made recommendations already implemented by government, which substantially improved road safety. No new recommendations were made. Measures implemented included uniform 60 km/h speed limits for all heavy trucks, extended low-gear requirements, improved signage, and arrester bed enhancements, resulting in zero heavy-truck fatalities in the subsequent decade.