Detectives from the Major Crash Investigation Unit are continuing to examine circumstances surrounding the fatal crash that occurred on Daly River Road early this morning.

Acting Superintendent Janelle Tonkin from the Traffic Operations Division said the 37-year-old male driver was unlicensed, and the vehicle unregistered.

“There were also 12 occupants in the Nissan Pathfinder – including seven adults and five children,” she said.

“Early investigations suggest the driver may have fallen asleep before veering off the road, colliding with a concrete culvert and then a tree. The vehicle has then tipped onto its side.”

“It appears the deceased child was not restrained.”

The crash happened about 16km east of Daly River and is believed to have occurred about 2am.

The death toll is now 22, compared with 26 at the same time last year.