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The family of AFL great Tony Modra has thanked the emergency services and passers-by who helped save his life after a serious truck crash on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula. Modra, 57, remains in the intensive care unit at Flinders Medical Centre, where he has twice undergone surgery and is said to be making encouraging progress.

Coverage comparison

Reports vary on the exact details of the crash, with some outlets saying it occurred on Thursday afternoon and others specifying evening. The Guardian — World reported that the crash happened on Modra's property at Back Valley, about 90 kilometres south of Adelaide, when the truck struck a tree at about 5.15pm ACST. ABC Australia also placed the crash at Back Valley, near Victor Harbor, with some reports describing the location as about 10 kilometres west of the town.

Modra's condition was initially described as critical but stable by a good Samaritan who provided first aid at the scene, and later reports from SA Health said he was stable. His wife, Erica, told fellow former Crows player Mark Ricciuto, who read out a statement on Triple M Adelaide, that Modra was "going alright" and that he was being cared for in the ICU.

Key claims

Multiple reports agree that Modra was seriously injured when the truck he was driving hit a tree. He was the sole occupant and was taken to hospital by ambulance. A family statement described the incident as "a freak accident" and confirmed that he had undergone surgery twice since the crash.

The family also expressed gratitude to the community for their support, with Erica Modra and her children Hayley and Luke reportedly telling Crows fans that their dad was "overcome with emotion" at the crowd support during a recent match.

Mark Ricciuto, who played alongside Modra at Adelaide, said: "He's in good care... say a prayer for Mods." Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir, who also played with Modra at the Dockers, said, "Hopefully he can pull through. I'm thinking of him."

Linda Cameron, a 78-year-old resident who was the first on the scene, described how she provided first aid, holding Modra's hand and telling him her name to keep him calm. She said she was "just so glad I had to help him."

South Australia's Premier Peter Malinauskas sent well-wishes, calling Modra "an SA icon" and "down to earth and just a really good bloke."

Background

Modra played 165 games in the AFL across his career at Adelaide and Fremantle, kicking 588 goals. He was a dual All-Australian and won the Coleman Medal in 1997. He debuted for Adelaide in 1992 and was the club's leading goalkicker for five straight seasons before joining Fremantle in 1999.

Fans of the Adelaide Crows paid tribute to Modra during their match against Melbourne at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, standing and applauding in the sixth minute. Many wore shirts with his image, and former teammate Mark Ricciuto described him as "one of the first superstar players."

Perspectives

The Modra family, through a statement released by his wife, expressed gratitude to the first responders and passersby, and said the crash was a freak accident.

SA Premier Peter Palinauskas called for stronger safety measures, while at least one fan called for more trimming of trees along country roads to prevent similar crashes.

Modra's wife, Erica, has focused on her husband's recovery and the care he is receiving at Flinders Medical Centre, highlighting the importance of the emergency services and the quick thinking of those who stopped to help.