SA: Police check truck's brakes after crash

AAP General News (Australia)
04-13-2007
SA: Police check truck's brakes after crash

ADELAIDE, April 13 AAP - Police are investigating whether a semi-trailer's brakes failed
moments before it crashed into 16 cars at a busy Adelaide intersection, injuring 14 people.

No one was seriously hurt in yesterday's incident and witnesses have praised the truck
driver for his valiant efforts to bring his rig under control.

He hit several cars stopped at traffic lights at the corner of Main South and Seacombe
roads at suburban Darlington before jumping the median strip and taking out several more
vehicles on the other side of the road.

The semi then smashed into seven caravans at a nearby sales yard.

Inspector Craig Patterson said today the truck driver still had to be interviewed and
he would not comment on whether or not he would faces charges.

The intersection is located at the bottom of a steep descent and Insp Patterson also
declined to comment on suggestions that safety devices, such as arrester beds, be installed.

Given the extent of the damage, Insp Patterson said it was fortunate that no one was killed.

"We were extremely lucky, there's no doubt about it," he said.

"If you've seen some footage of that scene, the carnage was pretty horrific.

"We are extremely lucky no one has been seriously injured or lost their lives."

Insp Patterson said the semi-trailer had been impounded for exhaustive mechanical checks.

And the possibility that the brakes failed would be investigated.

Of those injured, most suffered just minor cuts and bruising.

While 14 people were taken to the nearby Flinders Medical Centre only one was admitted.

That person's condition was not serious, police said.

AAP tjd/it/mn

KEYWORD: SEMI NIGHTLEAD

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