Alice Springs: CCTV captured tragic car rollover details

After clambering over their dying mate’s body, one survivor returned for a second look at the carnage. What he did next has drawn the ire of a senior police officer.

A survivor of last week’s Alice Springs car rollover returned to the body of his dying mate, only to flee from the scene rather than provide first aid, police have claimed.

On Friday, an 18 year-old died after an allegedly stolen Toyota HiLux, carrying a group of people, rolled over in the town’s CBD.

A group of eight ran from the scene and are yet to be identified by police.

On Monday, Assistant Commissioner Travis Wurst described the actions of the group as “callous”.

“One person was flung from the vehicle who sustained serious injuries – that person later succumbed to those injuries and passed away,” he said.

“All of those persons climbed out of the vehicle and all of them actually climbed straight over the top of that person and then ran, not one came to render assistance to that person – that’s where the callous nature of this particular set of circumstances (occurs).”

NT Police Assistant Commissioner Travis Wurst slammed the “callous” action of the group. Picture: Harry Brill.

Mr Wurst confirmed CCTV appeared to capture the moment one of the survivors came back for a second look at the carnage – and the dying teenager.

“One person did come back and stop about five metres short but did not actually seek (to) provide any assistance to that person at all.”

Mr Wurst said there had been a lack of community support in the ongoing investigation.

“We will identify them and they will be brought to justice in due course, but it is very disappointing to see the lack of community support in relation to the fact that a young person has died behaving among others recklessly.”

Mr Wurst said investigators were navigating “cultural nuances” and sensitivities.

“I wish I was standing here to tell you that eight persons had been identified and taken into custody, but for whatever reason when there’s a death involved in circumstances such as this, the cultural nuances around managing those relationships and sensitivities do place pressure upon the community,” he said.

“We’ll continue to work closely with the community through our Community Resilience and Engagement Command (and) through the Aboriginal liaison officers to assist the community through this grieving process and identify who those persons are.”