The NT road toll has risen to 10 following the death of a 26-year-old man in Alice Springs today.

Senior Sergeant John Worrall of the Major Crash Investigation Section said the incident occurred just before 5am on the North Stuart Highway.

“It appears the 25-year-old male driver and his passenger were travelling along the highway when the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to crash into a hydrant,” Senior Sergeant Worrall said.

“The car caught fire and was extinguished by Firefighters when emergency services attended a short time later.

“The 26-year-old man was declared deceased at the scene.”

The driver was conveyed to Alice Springs Hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

Part of the Stuart Highway between Hele Crescent and Woods Terrace was closed for a short time, however has since been reopened.

Investigations into the exact circumstances surrounding the crash are continuing, however initial indications suggests both speed and alcohol were contributing factors in the crash.

The road toll for the same time last year stood at five.