AMount Gambier man has died after a crash at Penola on Friday evening.

Emergency services were called to the Riddoch Highway after reports that a truck had left the road and crashed into a tree about 10pm.

The 49-year-old driver and sole occupant died at the scene.

The Riddoch Highway was closed between Robe Road and Mount Burr Road while Major Crash officers examined the scene.

The man’s death was the 18th life lost on South Australian roads this year, compared with four at this time in 2022.

In other police news, a man lost his licence for six months after being caught speeding in Tantanoola.

About 2.30pm on February 6 Highway Patrols were conducting speed detection duties on Tantanoola Road at Tantanoola when they detected a grey Lexus sedan travelling at 152kph in a 100kph zone.

The driver, a 51-year-old man from Millicent, was stopped and issued an expiation notice for speeding.

He was also issued an immediate loss of licence for six months.

Police will further allege that he provided a positive drug test for cannabis.

He may be further charged with drug driving pending analysis of his sample by Forensic Science SA.