Police piece together cause of fatal crashes as road toll rises by three

Police have identified a fatal factor involved in two crashes 1600km apart, as investigations continue into the tragic incidents.

The aftermath of a fatal crash outside Yulara, near Uluru, on Friday. Picture: Jason Walls

A disturbing detail has emerged in Friday’s two fatal crashes, which tragically claimed the lives of three people.

The victims of a single vehicle rollover near Katherine have been identified as two women aged in their 20s and 30s.

Police believe they were thrown from a Toyota ute and died at the scene.

Detective Senior Sergeant Brendan Linder said the women were not wearing seatbelts.

“Major Crash detectives are currently seeking to speak to witnesses familiar with the deceased women who can provide information about their movements prior to the crash,” he said.

Major Crash detectives from Darwin and local police continue to investigate the rollover, 40km south of Katherine about 6.51am Friday.

It was the second of two fatal crashes in a grim day on Northern Territory roads.

The aftermath of a fatal crash outside Yulara, near Uluru, on Frida. Picture: Jason Walls

The third life lost has been identified as a man in his 30s.

The man and two women were driving in a Mitsubishi sedan on the Lasseter Highway near Yulara when the vehicle rolled several times.

The man, also not wearing a seatbelt, was thrown from the vehicle.

Police from Yulara attended and performed CPR, helped at the scene by a local clinic nurse who provided emergency care.

He died at the scene.

The two women, both aged in their 20s, suffered non-life threatening injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.

The aftermath of a fatal crash outside Yulara, near Uluru, on October 7, 2022. Picture: Jason Walls

The crash occurred about 17km east of Yulara, about 445km from Alice Springs.

It was reported about 4am.

Investigations into the crash are ongoing, but Sergeant Lindner said alcohol was believed to be a factor.

“Any witnesses who saw the crash or anyone who attended a social function with those involved prior to the crash are urged to contact police to assist the investigation,” he said.

“Alcohol is believed to be involved and a sample of the driver’s blood will be subject to forensic toxicology.”

A tow truck takes away the destroyed vehicle at Yulara. Picture: Jason Walls

There have been 44 deaths on Territory roads since the start of the year, more than last year’s total of 35.

This time last year there had been 27 lives lost on NT roads.