A 42 year old man has been medivaced to Darwin Hospital following a roadtrain crash and fire near the Victoria River roadhouse.

Police were alerted just after 8pm last night that a roadtrain had left the Victoria Highway 15 kilometres east of the roadhouse.

Acting Sergeant Robert Griffiths from the Timber Creek Police Station said the man was assisted at the scene by some workers from a nearby cattle station.

“They were able to administer first aid after the man had managed to get out of the cab and before the truck and first trailer were totally destroyed by fire.”

Acting Sergeant Griffiths said the man was transported by St John Ambulance to Katherine in a serious but stable condition. 

“It was a very good response from the initial station workers, the clinic staff and Fire Emergency Response Group members from Timber Creek.  The manager of the Victoria River Roadhouse made sure Emergency personnel had water and food while they worked through the night.”

The truck was travelling west and has careered across the road, rolled over and caught on fire.  The remaining two trailers have been significantly damaged.  The truck was carrying dry goods and perishable items in a refrigerated trailer.

There were no other vehicles involved.

Investigations are continuing and the eastbound lane at the site of the crash remains partially closed.  Travellers are asked to be aware of traffic controllers in the area and follow all directions.