Five people have died after a two-car crash on the Stuart Highway in the Northern Territory.
Emergency services were called to the scene about 2km south of the Marrakai Road turn-off near Darwin, at 12.50pm on Wednesday.
Police investigations suggest the Ford Ranger was travelling northbound when, for reasons yet to be determined, it crossed onto the incorrect side of the highway.
It then collided head-on with the southbound Toyota HiAce.
Four people in the ute were declared dead, including the driver, a 23-year-old man, a 36-year-old male passenger, and two women, 23 and 32.
The driver and sole occupant of the Toyota, a 69-year-old woman, also died.
‘Both vehicles sustained catastrophic damage and caught fire shortly after impact,’ officers said.
‘Members of the public who witnessed the crash attempted to render assistance. However, the occupants were unable to be extricated before both vehicles became fully engulfed in flames.’
Emergency services were called to the Stuart Highway about 2km south of the Marrakai Road turn-off near Darwin, at 12.50pm on Wednesday after reports of a collision
NT Police Commissioner Martin Dole addressed reporters on Thursday
Five people were declared dead after the head-on crash
NT Police said they worked throughout the night to identify those involved and have since spoken with the families of the deceased.
A formal disaster victim identification process remains underway to complete identification.
Detective Senior Sergeant Michael Schumacher said investigators were continuing to piece together the circumstances surrounding the collision.
‘This is an incredibly tragic incident that has claimed five lives and will have a devastating impact on multiple families and the wider community,’ he said.
‘Witnesses have told investigators the utility was travelling at excessive speed and overtaking dangerously in the minutes leading up to the collision.’
The Stuart Highway where the crash occurred remains a crime scene with a detour in place and motorists have been warned to expect delays in the area.
The Major Crash Investigation Unit continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Anyone with information, dashcam footage or who witnessed the movements of either vehicle before the collision is urged to contact police.
