Two people remain in hospital after a drink driver crashed into a tree in Katherine over night.

Katherine Police were called to a local service station at about 4:30 am this morning after receiving reports of a drink driver in the vicinity. Upon arrival police located a blue Ford Falcon sedan travelling along Katherine Terrace and attempted to stop the vehicle.

When the 36-year-old male driver ignored police and accelerated away, members activated their lights and sirens and initiated a short pursuit.

The pursuit was terminated less then a minute later after the offender turned onto Zimmen Drive and police deactivated their lights and stopped their vehicle.

A short time later police continued to travel along Zimmen Drive and located the vehicle which had crashed into a tree in private property.

Fire and Rescue personnel were immediately called to the scene and utilised the 'jaws of life' to extract the two occupants from the vehicle, before they were taken to hospital by St John Ambulance.

The 39-year-old female passenger is in a stable condition and the driver is in a serious condition at Katherine Hospital; they will be evacuated to Royal Darwin Hospital today.

There were strong indications at the scene that alcohol was a contributing factor in this crash.

Police will interview the driver in relation to failing to comply with police direction, drink driving and driving an unregistered/defective vehicle.

Senior Sergeant Gavin Kennedy said the occupants were extremely lucky to be alive.

"This crash could have ended up much worse and is a timely reminder to motorists not to drink and drive."

"Its simple don't drink and drive; every time you sit behind the wheel drunk your not only risk loosing your own life but the life of others" he said.

Media Note - Photos to follow this afternoon.

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