Unoccupied truck weaves path of destruction after safety system failure
Case
Farrell v Schwarz Excavations and Civil Pty Ltd (2026)
On 20 September 2023, Schwarz Excavations and Civil Pty Ltd (Schwarz Excavations) was undertaking construction work at a site with elevated ground in the Adelaide Hills.
A truck driver employed by Schwarz Excavations parked a 2021 Kenworth prime mover and attached tipper trailer on a slope at the site, however, he neglected to apply the park brake. When the driver exited the vehicle, the truck's park brake warning system, designed to alert drivers if they opened the cab door without engaging the brake, did not activate.
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