Two motorists lose their lives in separate Easter NT road crashes

Northern Territory Police are investigating two devastating road tragedies with one leading officer urging travellers to take care this Easter.

The Territory’s Easter holiday has got off to a tragic start with two devastating road fatalities.

Police are investigating the death this morning of a passenger after a single vehicle rollover 6.5km east of Hermannsberg.

Police were notified about 6.30am that a vehicle with four occupants crashed on Larapinta Drive, about 125km west of Alice Springs. .

Police say a 26-year-old male passenger died when he was thrown from the vehicle and the male driver suffered a serious head laceration in the smash.

The driver was flown to Alice Springs hospital from the scene and two other male passengers were being transported to hospital with minor injuries and shock.

Two general duties officers and two Southern traffic officers attended the incident and two officers from the drone unit are also undertaking aerial surveillance at the scene.

The driver and passengers are believed to have been residents of Hermannsberg.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible as delays are expected.

NT Police are investigating two Alice Springs road fatalities.

Southern Watch commander Senior Sergeant Andrew Heath said seat-belt use would be part of the investigation that police conduct.

“This is a timely reminder at Easter for drivers to slowdown, wear seat belts and to not drink and drive,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Territory police major crash investigation unit is investigating a fatal quad bike incident near the town on Good Friday.

Around 4pm, emergency services were notified of a collision between a motorbike and a quad bike on the Finke Track near Maryvale Road, 35km from the Stuart Highway intersection.

The 27-year-old male quadbike rider was declared dead at the scene while the 24-year-old male motorcycle rider was conveyed to Alice Springs Hospital in a serious condition before being sent to South Australia for additional treatment.

Major crash detectives were still at the scene on Saturday and motorists were advised to avoid the area and follow traffic directions.

Reports on both fatal accideents will be prepared for the coroner.

The fatalities bring the Territory’s road-toll to five, compared to 13 at the same time last year.

The Australian Productivity Commission last year reported the Territory has the nation’s highest road fatality rate - about four times higher than the national average.

Aboriginal people represent about half the NT’s average fatalities despite being only 30 per cent of the population.

Originally published as Two motorists lose their lives in separate Easter NT road crashes