Damn!!! I always try to stay clear of dodgy looking utes and trucks. Hell, I've done something simialar myself with a trailer, didn't secure an old wooden door I was taking to the tip a few years ago, after a short time of driving, the wind literally picked the door up 2 metres in the air, flew for about 3 seconds, and landed in between these two cars shattering the crap out of itself. Thankfully no one got hit but yeah, kind of made me more aware of myself as well as other people's loads.
Sad news, although it could have been much much worse, so look at it positively. Good luck with your repairs Gregg!