Alice Springs Police Fire and Emergency Services have closed the Stuart Highway in both directions following a fatal two car crash this afternoon.

Southern Watch Commander Darrell Kerr said a female has died and her male passenger is in a critical condition following the crash, 10 kilometres north of the Erldunda roadhouse.

“Initial reports suggest a car has been struck side on by a 4wd vehicle and both people in the car have sustained serious injury.  The female driver has since been confirmed as having died.”

Southern Traffic Officers, NT Fire and Rescue Service Members and Major Crash Officers from Alice Springs have joined Police Members from Kulgera on site and the highway will remain closed until crash investigators assess the scene.

Police ask that drivers remain patient while investigators and emergency crews carry out their work.

It is not known how long the highway will remain closed.

The Northern Territory Road Toll now stands at 20 compared to 12 at the same time last year.