The Northern Territory road toll has risen to 28 following a single vehicle crash near Mataranka tonight.

Duty Superintendent Bob Harrison said the Toyota HiAce van was travelling along the Stuart Highway when the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed 40km south of Mataranka at around 7:30pm.

“A 12-year-old girl has died as a result of the crash another person has been taken to Katherine Hospital with suspected leg injuries. The other passengers are being treated for minor injuries.

“One lane of the Stuart Highway is closed and traffic diversions will be in place for the remainder of the night.

“Investigations into the exact circumstances surrounding the crash are ongoing.”

The road toll for the same time last year was 37.