Investigation launched after woman killed in road train crash south of Alice Springs

NT Police have released more details after a fatal crash pedestrian crash in the Red Centre, bringing the Territory’s current road toll total to 41.

Police investigate a fatal crash. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Updated: A woman who was fatally struck by a road train south of Alice Springs on Thursday night was attempting to cross the Stuart Highway, police believe.

NT Police revealed on Friday morning the jurisdiction’s 2024 road toll had risen to 41 after the pedestrian was killed on the Stuart Highway near Stuarts Well.

After further investigation, police now have a more detailed – but still not complete – picture of what occurred.

“Major crash investigators believe the deceased to be a 58-year-old woman local to the area,” police said in a statement.

“Next of kin have been notified, however, formal identification is yet to be finalised.

“Police believe that the woman was travelling in a Holden Commodore with two other family members, when they stopped 2km south of Stuarts Well next to another stationary vehicle.

“The 58-year-old is believed to have exited the vehicle and crossed the road when she was struck by a road train travelling southbound.

“The driver of the Holden Commodore has since made himself known to police and is currently assisting with enquiries.”

However, detectives have been unable to locate the second vehicle – the one the Commodore pulled up beside.

“[We] are urging the driver to come forward,” Detective Senior Sergeant Sean Aila said.

Police are also seeking dashcam footage from anyone who drove throuugh Stuarts Well at the relevant time.

Earlier: Police are investigating a fatal crash after a road train collided with a woman on the Stuart Hwy.

St John NT Territory Response Manager Craig Garraway said the pedestrian died at the scene about 7.30pm Thursday.

The crash brings the total number of lives lost on NT roads in 2024 to 41, compared to seven this time last year.

Detective Acting Superintendent Karl Day said the road train driver had been travelling south on the highway but stopped at the scene and contacted police.

He said the crash occurred in Stuarts Well, about 90km south of Alice Springs.

“Major Crash Investigators believe an unknown vehicle was parked on the northbound side of the highway shortly before the crash occurred, with the vehicle fleeing the scene just after the crash,” he said.

“Police are urging anyone travelling along the Stuart Highway south of Alice Springs last night, who has dashcam footage, to make contact with police on 131 444 and quote reference P24213936.”

Superintendent Day urged motorists to avoid the area or delay travel if possible, and expected the major thoroughfare would reopen late Friday morning.

Originally published as Investigation launched after woman killed in road train crash south of Alice Springs