Driver of car in fatal crash in Noonamah Stuart Hwy tests positive for cannabis

The driver of a car that hit and killed a 54-year-old motorcyclist has tested positive for cannabis.

A 54-YEAR-OLD male motorcyclist has tragically died in a crash with a car on the Stuart Hwy at Noonamah on Tuesday night.

Police arrested the 47-year-old driver of the car, who police allege tested positive for cannabis.

Detective Senior Sergeant Brendan Lindner praised the driver for staying at the scene and assisting the motorcyclist following the accident.

Standing outside of the Palmerston Police Station on Wednesday morning, Detective Senior Sergeant Brendan Lindner released further details regarding the road death of a 54-year-old motorcyclist. Picture: Floss Adams.

“Unlike many other Territorians, the man stopped on scene and assisted the motorcyclist so he won’t be facing any hit and run charges,” he said.

“The at-fault driver, a 47-year-old man, tested positive for cannabis and was arrested for the purpose of obtaining a blood sample at hospital,” Sen Sgt Lindner alleged.

“He’s since been released pending further investigation and forensic toxicological analysis.”

Emergency services were alerted to the crash about 7:45pm on Tuesday night at Noonamah.

Forensic paint markings map out the scene on the Stuart Hwy. Picture: Floss Adams.

The 47-year-old has since been released from custody as the investigation continues with his alleged toxication level likely to determine any charges.

“That blood sample will be subject to forensic analysis, toxicological analysis and the investigation will determine what charges will be made,” Mr Lindner said.

“We will also be securing evidence we need, such as CCTV footage and speaking to other witnesses of the crash.

“If there’s anyone else that saw the crash and hasn’t already spoken to police we would encourage them to come forward.”

Forensic paint marks horrific crash site

A TANGLE of forensic paint marks the horrific scene of where a 54-year-old male motorcyclist died on the Stuart Hwy. 


The bitumen is dotted with green, blue, orange and white paint outside the Noonamah Tavern, mapping out the crash scene that spreads across a distance of about 15 to 20m.

A staff member of the nearby service station, who asked to remain anonymous, said she believed the man was a regular customer.

She said the night shift employee rushed out to help when he saw a 4WD collide with the motorbike.

He recognised the motorcyclist.

“Lucky I was not there yesterday night, he said it was really horrible,” she said.


A local resident was drinking at the Noonamah Tavern when she heard the commotion that was unfolding on the Stuart Hwy.

“The car was a terrible mess,” she said.

Another service station staff member had come across the scene on Tuesday night, while off shift.

“It was gut wrenching, it was just horrible. To see the motorbike there and just how it was … yeah, not good,” she said.

Motorcyclist, 54, killed in crash

A 54-YEAR-OLD man has died after a motorbike crash on the Stuart Hwy outside the Noonamah Tavern on Tuesday night.

Northern Watch Commander Neil Mellon said a car travelling north was turning right into the Noonamah pub area when it collided with an oncoming motorcycle travelling south, about 7.45pm.

“The impact was serious and as a result, I’m sad to report that a middle-aged male rider of the motorcycle was declared deceased at the scene,” Cmdr Mellon said.

“The driver of the (car) was breath tested and returned a reading under the legal limit.

“They are still interviewing witnesses and the driver of the (car) and no offences have been identified just at this stage.”

St John NT operations manager Craig Garraway said paramedics received triple-0 calls in response to a collision between a car and a motorbike.

“The reports we had were that the person was in quite a critical condition and CPR was being commenced,” Mr Garraway said.

The Noonamah Tavern intersection along the Stuart Hwy is notorious for serious crashes. Picture: Floss Adams.

“Our phone operators gave advice over the phone and paramedics responded but unfortunately on arrival emergency services there was nothing they could do for this person.”

Traffic diversions were put in place on the Stuart Hwy on Tuesday about 7.45pm – the scene was cleared by 6am on Wednesday.

Police investigations are still ongoing.

The crash is the second fatal road incident for the Stuart Hwy Noonamah precinct intersection, in the last year.

In October last year, a 22-year-old man was struck by a 4WD while riding his motorcycle southbound on the highway.

This year, 26 lives have been lost on Territory roads, more than double than the same time last week when 13 fatals had been recorded.