A motorcyclist has died crashing into a tree off Stuart Highway

A 59-year-old motorcyclist has been killed after his bike veered off the Stuart Highway and crashed into a tree.

A man has died after a crash on Stuart Highway after passing through Mataranka.

A 59-year-old motorcyclist has died after crashing into a tree 70km south of Mataranka just off the Stuart Highway, becoming the second person in three months to die in a motorcycle crash in the Territory.

The crash occurred on Saturday at 4.30pm and did not appear to involve any other vehicles or people.

A motorist passing by called Joint Emergency Services at 4.30pm after witnessing the crash.

NT Police from Mataranka and Maranboy attended the scene together with medical staff from the Mataranka clinic.

They confirmed the 59-year-old man died at the scene.

The rider appeared to have been travelling south and veered off the road, colliding with a tree, Superintendent Greg Pusterla said.

“It does not appear as though any other vehicles or people were involved in the crash,” he said.

The crash on Stuart Highway remains under investigation and anyone who was in the area near Mataranka on Saturday and may have information or dashcam footage is urged to make contact on 131 444.

Last year a motorcyclist in his 50s died in a single vehicle crash on the same highway.

The road toll now stands at 20, compared to 42 this time last year.

Originally published as A motorcyclist has died crashing into a tree off Stuart Highway