Police are investigating an incident on the Stuart Highway south of Darwin this morning in which a pedestrian died after he was hit by a car.

Just after 4.30am this morning Police received a report of a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian on the Stuart Highway about 1km south of the Arnhem Highway, on the inbound lanes.

Police, St John Ambulance and Northern Territory Emergency Service crews attended the scene.

Superintendent Michael Murphy said it appears a Toyota Landcruiser driven by a 45 year old male has collided with a 33 year old male pedestrian standing on the carriageway, resulting in fatal injuries.

Both men are Darwin residents

A crime scene has been established on the Stuart Highway in that location and inbound traffic
is being diverted around the scene along a service road. Traffic Management is in place and directions are clear. These arrangements are expected to be in place until 1pm.

"An investigation is continuing to examine the circumstances of the death, however speed and alcohol are not believed to be contributing factors on the driver's part, " Supt Murphy said.

" Major Crime Detectives, Crash Investigators, Scene of Crime Officers and the Coroners Office are managing the investigation. It is important that all road users, including pedestrians, take care on our roads to reduce trauma and death.

"I urge all road users to take care in this area and more importantly when using our roads over the Christmas and New Year periods."

Police are appealing for anyone travelling in the area who may have seen a man walking along the side of the road to contact them, in particular the driver of a vehicle travelling outbound just before the crash occurred. Anyone with information should phone police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The Territory road toll now stands at 31 compared to 74 for the same period last year.


Media contact:
Theresa Kuilboer
8951 8825
0419 803 603