Families of the 25-year-old woman and 35-year-old man killed after serious two car collision near Lake Bennett have been identified
The families of the two drivers killed in a horrific head-on collision on Wednesday have been notified, as police continue to investigate the cause of the crash.
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UPDATED — Thursday, 12pm: The families of the two drivers killed in a horrific head-on collision on Wednesday have been identified, as police continue to investigate the cause of the crash.
Northern Territory Police Assistant Commissioner Travis Wurst confirmed to media on Thursday the 25-year-old woman involved in the crash was a resident of the NT.
Mr Wurst could not confirm if the 35-year-old man driver was a resident of the NT, but he suggested the man had family here.
The acting commissioner described the injuries to the both drivers as “catastrophic” and later encouraged motorists to drive responsibly this long weekend.
“I implore the [NT] public to obey the road rules [and] understand the Fatal Five: Do not drive when you’re drug affected; always wear your seatbelt; do not speed; do not be distracted by devices; and if you are tried, stop driving,” he said.
“Use the road as it should be used; drive to the conditions.
“I had information this morning to suggest that even through that crash zone, people are still speeding, doing well in excess of 130km per hour.
“It is up to road users to do the right thing for themselves, for other road users and for their families, because we have two families now that do not have someone sitting at their dinner table tonight who should have been there.”
Mr Wurst’s plea comes after emergency services responded to a horrific scene along the Stuart Hwy at about 8pm Wednesday.
Police say the two cars were travelling in opposite directions between Batchelor and Acacia Hills when they hit each other head on, about 1km north of Chinner Rd near Lake Bennett.
Upon arrival at the scene, paramedics provided first aid to the man and woman.
Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
No other people were involved.
A crime scene was established by the Major Crash Investigation Unit and road closures were put in place until 6am Thursday.
Mr Wurst said it was still too early to determine the case of the crash.
The crash comes after NT Police captured almost 500 vehicles speeding over the Easter long weekend, with 41 drivers testing positive to alcohol and a further 25 under the influence of drugs.
The latest incident takes the NT’s road death toll to eight this year.
INITIAL — Wednesday, 8pm: Two people have died after a serious two car crash on the Stuart Highway overnight.
Emergency services responded to the scene about 8pm Wednesday, about 1km north of Chinner Road near Lake Bennett.
It was understood the cars were travelling in opposite directions along the Stuart Hwy between Batchelor and Acacia Hills when they collided.
Initial first aid was provided to a 25-year-old woman driver and a 35-year-old man driver.
Both were pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
Police said a crime scene was established, and the Major Crash Investigation Unit is still investigating.
It was understood no other victims were involved.
Eight lives have now been lost on Northern Territory roads this year.
Traffic diversions were in place for most of the night and the highway has since re-opened.
Police urge anyone with information or with dash cam footage in the area to make contact on 131 444 and quote reference number P25111702.
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