Posted Wed 5 Aug 2026 at 6:43pm
Wed 5 Aug 2026 at 6:43pm
, updated Wed 5 Aug 2026 at 7:05pmWed 5 Aug 2026 at 7:05pm
Police say the crash killed all occupants of the two vehicles. (ABC News: Marcus Kennedy)
In short:
A two-vehicle crash on the Stuart Highway, near Marrakai, has claimed the lives of at least four people.
Northern Territory Police say both vehicles were engulfed by flames after the head-on collision and "there were no surviving occupants".
A section of the highway has been closed in both directions as police continue to investigate.
At least four people have died in a fiery head-on crash between two vehicles on the Stuart Highway, south-east of Darwin, this afternoon.
In a statement, a Northern Territory Police Force spokesperson said the crash had occurred about 2 kilometres south of the turn-off to Marrakai Road, with police receiving multiple reports about 12:50pm.
"Police, Fire and Rescue Service crews and St John Ambulance attended the scene, where both vehicles were fully engulfed in flames," the spokesperson said.
"Sadly, there were no surviving occupants."
Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Both lanes of the Stuart Highway have been closed as authorities investigate the crash. (ABC News: Marcus Kennedy)
NT Police Detective Senior Sergeant Michael Schumacher said "due to the extent of the damage, [investigators] are still working to formally identify the deceased and determine whether there were any additional occupants in either vehicle".
"Due to the severity of the crash, which appears to have been a high-speed head-on collision, both vehicles caught fire, making this an extremely complex investigation," he said.
"At this stage, we have confirmed at least four people have died.
"One vehicle, believed to be a goods van, contains one deceased person.
"The second vehicle, a dual-cab utility, contains three confirmed deceased."
Police have urged motorists to avoid the area. (ABC News: Marcus Kennedy)
A section of the Stuart Highway has been closed in both directions.
Earlier this afternoon, traffic diversions were causing heavy delays to traffic and heavy duty vehicles were banked up on the side of the road.
"Detours for light vehicles will be implemented by the Department of Logistics and Infrastructure as soon as possible," the police statement said.
"Heavy vehicles are unable to pass through the area at this time, and motorists are urged to avoid the area and expect significant delays."
