Ute seen driving dangerously before horror crash that killed five people
Five people have been killed in a horror smash south of Darwin, with police investigating whether dangerous driving may have been a factor.
Police were called to the Stuart Highway near Darwin River Dam, about 70 kilometres from Darwin, on Wednesday afternoon after reports of a car crash, and they found two vehicles engulfed in flames.
Both cars burst into flames after the crash. 9News
Investigations have revealed a Ford Ranger ute driving north crossed onto the incorrect side of the highway and collided with a Toyota HiAce.
Four people in the ute and the driver and sole occupant of the Toyota died at the scene.
Detective Senior Sergeant Michael Schumacher admitted Northern Territory Police were investigating whether the ute had been driving dangerously in the lead-up to the crash.
“Witnesses have told investigators the utility was travelling at excessive speed and overtaking dangerously in the minutes leading up to the collision,” he said.
“This is an incredibly tragic incident that has claimed five lives and will have a devastating impact on multiple families and the wider community.”
Traffic, including large trucks and road trains, were forced to stop as the Stuart Highway remains closed. 9News
The ute was driven by a 23-year-old man, with two women, aged 23 and 32, and one male, 36, riding as passengers.
The Toyota was driven by a 69-year-old woman.
Members of the public who reported the crash tried to save the occupants, but they could not be pulled from the cars due to the fire and serious damage.
The scene of the crash on the Stuart Highway, around two kilometres south of the Marrakai Road and Stuart Highway intersection, remains a crime scene, with investigators from the Major Crash Investigation Unit at the scene.
Several trucks and road trains were seen stationary on the highway, halted by the road being closed.
“We urge anyone who witnessed the driving of either vehicle prior to the crash, and who has not yet spoken to police, to come forward,” Schumacher said.
The Stuart Highway is a major road that stretches for 2729 kilometres from Darwin to Port Augusta in South Australia, passing through major centres of the Northern Territory.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
