A 39-year-old male has been struck and killed while attempting to cross the Stuart Highway approximately 1.5 km south of the Manton Dam turnoff.

Acting Superintendent John Worrall from Darwin Traffic Operations said the man was hit by a north bound vehicle at about 11pm last night.

“Early investigations have revealed the 39-year-old man was travelling north in a vehicle as a passenger when the driver has pulled over to the side of the road and the victim’s partner, also a passenger, has exited the car.

“The victim has attempted to follow his partner across the road and has been hit.

“The driver of the vehicle that hit the man has stopped briefly before continuing on to where he was able to call Police on his mobile phone, he has then returned to the scene and waited for Police who responded from Batchelor.

“St John Ambulance Paramedics attended but the man passed away at the scene.

Acting Superintendent Worrall said investigations were continuing and a file is being prepared for the Coroner.

The death takes the road toll to 24 compared to 19 at the same time last year.