The Northern Territory road toll now stands at 42 following a single vehicle crash in Nhulunbuy this morning.

The vehicle is believed to have veered off Melville Bay Road and crashed into a culvert before catching fire at about 11:00am. The sole male occupant was removed from the vehicle by a passing motorist however died at the scene.

One lane of Melville Bay Road remains closed while Police examine the scene and remove the vehicle.  Motorists are urged to avoid using Melville Bay Road if at all possible, or if they must drive then do so carefully and obey the directions of Police officers directing traffic. 

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash have commenced.

The road toll for the same time last year was 36.