‘Legend’ South Australian truck driver one of three killed in Eyre Hwy crash

Three people, including a well-known truck driver, are believed dead following a serious crash between two trucks that has shut a major highway in South Australia.

Emergency crews rushed to reports of a head-on crash on the Eyre Hwy, about 27km west of Yalata, on the edge of the Nullarbor, at 6.45am on Thursday, but it’s understood there were no survivors.

WATCH VIDEO ABOVE: ‘Legend’ truck driver one of three killed in head on SA crash

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Motorists said they could do nothing but watch as the trucks burst into flames, closing the highway that is the only road link between Perth and Adelaide in both directions. Debris was strewn across hundreds of metres and one truck was still smoking hours later.

7NEWS understands all three people involved in the crash were killed.

On social media, tributes were left for truck driver Neville ‘Slim’ Mugride, one of those believed to have been killed in the crash.

“An absolute legend doing what he loved, driving trucks,” one person said.

“A true legend of the transport industry,” another commented.

In a chilling twist, the driver has previously spoken to 7NEWS, after being first on the scene to a fatal head-on crash at Crystal Brook, SA, in 2016.

South Australia Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.

The Eyre Hwy will remain closed until Friday. As it’s the only road link between Adelaide and Perth, and the rail line has been shut down due to recent floods in WA, there will be significant delays for millions of dollars worth of freight.

A number of trucks banked up behind road closures have been told to make arrangements for alternative travel or accommodation.

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