A man has been killed after the vehicle he was driving rolled several times on the Stuart Highway near Noonamah last night.
Police received a report at around 11pm last night that a Mitsubishi Challenger with six occupants had rolled several times. Witnesses told police the vehicle was travelling inbound when it collided with a Toyota Camry sedan which was making a right hand turn into an unnamed dirt road.
The collision caused the Mitsubishi to roll several times killing the male driver, who is believed to be in his early 70s. Four girls aged 12, 7, 5 and 2 were injured along with a 73-year-old woman. They have been taken to Royal Darwin Hospital for treatment.
Police said the driver of the Toyota Camry failed to stop and left the scene travelling outbound on the Stuart highway. A silver Toyota Camry believed to have been the vehicle involved in the crash was found abandoned this morning on the Coomalie road south of Darwin. A short time later Police arrested an 18-year-old man who is believed to be the driver of the vehicle. He was apprehended near the Batchelor Road turn-off.
Detectives and Northern Traffic Operations Members are investigating the crash and traffic is being diverted around the scene.
Superintendent Michael Murphy said police are urging motorists to drive with care as the Stuart Highway is expected to be closed between Livingstone Road and Townend Road for some time and traffic is being diverted around the scene.
"This is a terrible tragedy for all concerned and we are again calling on motorists to do the right thing to ensure their own safety and that of other road users," Supt Murphy said.
"While the exact cause of this incident is still under investigation it will still serve as a tragic reminder that people should wear their seat belts, drive to the road conditions and ensure they don't drink and drive."
The death brings the Territory road toll to 6 compared to 15 for the same period last year.
Police are appealing for witnesses to contact them on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Media contact:
Theresa Kuilboer
(08) 8951 8825
0419 803 603
