The Major Crash Unit and Katherine Detectives are investigating the circumstances which led to the death of two women in Katherine overnight.

Around 7:00pm last night, a vehicle drove into a group of people who were sitting in the front yard of a residence.

Police, St John Ambulance, and Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service attended and located the two women trapped under the vehicle.

The two women were declared deceased at the scene.

The driver of the vehicle was taken into police custody and is assisting police with their enquiries.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.