Two high school sweethearts have tragically died after their car collided with a teacher from their college.
Hayden Perkins, 17, and Mikayla Eastwood, 18, were in a Mazda 323 when the car smashed into their teacher’s Hyundai i30 on Long Valley Road in Adelaide, South Australia.
The crash occurred near the intersection of Gemmell Road, between Wistow and Strathalbyn, at 4.40pm.
Mikayla Eastwood (left) and Hayden Perkins (right) died instantly after a car accident with their school teacher’s vehicle
The 31-year-old school teacher sustained minor injuries and was taken to Mount Barker Hospital for treatment.
Long Valley Road was closed for seven hours following the crash and reopened just before midnight.
Police are still in the process of investigating the circumstances of the accident.
Eastern Fleurieu School Principal Ian Kent said the school’s ‘deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of those involved’.
‘(We are) deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic death of two of our Year 12 students last night,’ Mr Kent said in a statement.
‘One of our staff members was also involved in the accident and is currently in hospital.
‘Professional counselling and support services will be available for students and staff in the coming days and weeks,’ he said.
‘We respectfully ask for privacy for our school community during this difficult time.’
The crash occurred near the intersection of Gemmell Road, between Wistow and Strathalbyn, at 4.40pm on Tuesday afternoon
Ms Eastwood’s employer expressed condolences on social media, saying the teen would be ‘truly missed’.
The children’s play cafe described the 18-year-old as a hard-working and dedicated employee.
Locals also took to social media to express their grief at the loss of the two teenagers.
‘This has rocked our community. Two stars bright at night to shine over loved ones. RIP,’ the local wrote on Facebook.
Floral tributes have been left at the scene.
Eastern Fleurieu School Principal Ian Kent said the school’s ‘deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of those involved
The local council previously lobbied the South Australian government to upgrade the road because of its dangerous reputation.
Alexandria Council Mayor Keith Parkes said the council had sent a number of requests to the Government to place additional overtaking lanes on the road.
‘We’ll certainly be again asking the Government to have a look at it,’ Mr Parkes told The Advertiser.
The crash is the second fatal accident on a South Australia country road in two days.
A 19-year-old woman died from a head-on collision on the Dukes Highway, 2km from Keith, on Monday.
A police report revealed the death of the two teenagers takes the state’s road toll to 68, compared to 87 at the same time last year.
A police report revealed the death of the two teenagers takes the state’s road toll to 68 compared to 87 at the same time last year