Inquest told missing teenager perished in Port Lincoln dumpster after days on the streets

A South Australian coroner has heard distressing evidenc…

A South Australian coroner has heard distressing evidence about the final days of a teenager who was discovered dead inside an industrial waste container in Port Lincoln, having been unaccounted for since the previous week.

The inquest, which opened on Monday, was told the 17-year-old boy had been living rough in the regional city before his body was found in a large skip bin. The court heard that despite being reported missing, he remained unlocated for several days before the grim discovery.

Counsel assisting the coroner outlined a timeline that suggests the teen may have entered the bin seeking shelter, unaware of the dangers posed by the heavy waste disposal equipment. The court heard that the bin was later emptied by a waste collection truck, and the boy's remains were subsequently discovered at a landfill site.

The boy's family, who attended the hearing, expressed

The boy's family, who attended the hearing, expressed their grief and frustration over the circumstances surrounding his death. The coroner acknowledged their pain and promised a thorough examination of the events leading up to the tragedy.

The inquest is expected to hear from witnesses, including emergency responders and waste management personnel, over the coming days. The findings are anticipated to shed light on how such a vulnerable young person fell through the cracks of community care.