Police release teenager without charge after his 4WD ran over and killed two family members at a party

An 18-year-old man has been released without charge, after his 4WD mowed down and killed two family members in the Northern Territory town of Katherine.

The vehicle was being used to play music during a party in the front yard of a property on Saturday night.

Police say the man turned on the engine to charge the battery, without realising it was in gear.

The car then rolled into a group of people, trapping three women.

Two of the women, who are both close relatives of the man, died at the scene.

The 18-year-old was taken in for questioning, but according to police, there wasn’t enough evidence to lay charges.

Senior Constable Byron May said police are treating it as a tragic accident.

“I believe one of the females who passed away was similar to a mother figure in the family to him, so he’s quite upset about the incident,” he said.

“It’s a reminder that alcohol and the operation of motor vehicles under any circumstances can have a tragic outcome.”

Police will now refer the case to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).