A Queensland truck driver who allegedly caused an eight-vehicle crash at the base of the South Eastern Freeway last year will go on trial in August 2024.
Ross Hicks, 61, appeared in the Adelaide District Court this morning to formally enter a not guilty plea to several charges, including one charge of endangering life, nine charges of causing harm by dangerous driving and one charge of failing to use a low gear.
Police have alleged Mr Hicks crashed into six cars and a bus that were stationary at the bottom of the Freeway when his Mitsubishi truck was unable to stop in July 2022.
Nine people received minor injuries in the crash at the intersection of Portrush and Cross roads, while another five avoided injury.
Police have previously said it was "absolutely miraculous" that no-one was killed or seriously injured.
Mr Hicks's charges were today read out to him in front of Judge Karen Thomas, and he pleaded "not guilty".
His trial, scheduled for August 2024, is expected to run for 10 days.
For previous hearings in the Adelaide Magistrates Court, Mr Hicks has been appearing via video link.
But today he arrived and left with supporters.
The intersection where the crash occurred is notorious for collisions, and has been the site of several fatal incidents that have involved trucks unable to stop on the steep down track.