Northern Territory Police can confirm a fifth person has been located deceased following yesterday’s fatal two-vehicle crash on the Stuart Highway.
The fifth deceased person was located during the ongoing examination of the scene, bringing the total number of lives lost in the crash to five.
The deceased are believed to be:
- A 69-year-old woman, the sole occupant of the Toyota HiAce van.
- A 23-year-old male, the driver of the Ford Ranger utility.
- A 23-year-old female passenger of the Ford Ranger utility.
- A 36-year-old male passenger of the Ford Ranger utility.
- A 32-year-old female passenger of the Ford Ranger utility.
Police 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 the identification process.
Investigations indicate the Ford Ranger was travelling northbound when, for reasons yet to be determined, it crossed onto the incorrect side of the Stuart Highway and collided head-on with the southbound Toyota HiAce. Both vehicles sustained catastrophic damage and caught fire shortly after impact.
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.
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.
“Witnesses have told investigators the utility was travelling at excessive speed and overtaking dangerously in the minutes leading up to the collision. We urge anyone who witnessed the driving of either vehicle prior to the crash, and who has not yet spoken to police, to come forward.
The Stuart Highway where the crash occurred remains a crime scene with a detour in place. Motorists should 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 on 131 444 and quote reference number NTP2600075309.
