A 47 year-old man was fatally struck by a car on the Victoria Highway, approximately 10 kilometres south west of Katherine, at about 7.30pm last night.

Initial investigations into the incident suggest the man was walking into town on the north side of Victoria Highway when another vehicle stopped on the southern side of the road to give him a lift.

Senior Sergeant Clint Sims said the pedestrian was hit by a 4WD heading west as he attempted to cross the road.

“Tragically, the man was killed instantly.

“The 61 year-old male driver of the 4WD was taken to Katherine Hospital by St John Ambulance suffering shock.”

Senior Sergeant Sims said speed and alcohol do not appear to be contributing factors however investigations into the collision are continuing.

Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

The death takes the Northern Territory road toll to 17 compared to 19 at the same time last year.