A 21-year-old man has died following a single vehicle crash near Parap early this morning.

Police received a report just before 2am this morning that a Holden Barina panel van had collided with a tree on the Stuart Highway between Goyder Street and Parap Road.

The male driver was the only occupant of the vehicle and members of the NT Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene and used the Jaws of Life to remove him from the vehicle.

He was treated by St John Ambulance members but died at the scene.

Territory Duty Superintendent Jamie Chalker said it appears speed and alcohol were factors in the crash.

"Witnesses said they saw the vehicle being driven erratically outbound on the Stuart Highway," Supt Chalker said.

"The driver appears to have lost control of the vehicle causing it to crash into a tree.

"This tragedy again highlights the dangers of drink driving. It appears the driver had been drinking before getting into his car and making what was clearly the worst decision of his life. Police urge motorists again and again not to drink and drive, but it appears the message is falling on deaf ears.

"Perhaps people have to be more proactive in taking a person's car keys from him if you think he's going to drive after drinking. It could just save someone's life."

The Stuart Highway was closed for approximately seven hours while members of the Major Crash Unit examined the scene.

The death brings the Territory Road Toll to 5 compared to 13 for the same period last year.


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Theresa Kuilboer
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