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Four fatalities confirmed after fiery head-on collision on Stuart Highway near Marrakai

A high-speed head-on crash on the Stuart Highway south of Darwin killed at least four people, with both vehicles engulfed in flames.

Around midday, emergency services responded to reports of a violent head-on crash on the Stuart Highway, roughly two kilometres south of the Marrakai Road exit. Both a goods van and a dual-cab utility were consumed by fire, leaving no occupants alive; investigators have confirmed four deaths—one in the van and three in the utility. Senior Detective Michael Schumacher said the extensive damage is complicating victim identification and the search for any additional passengers.

Police, Fire and Rescue Service and St John Ambulance attended the scene, while the Department of Logistics and Infrastructure began arranging detours for light vehicles. Heavy-duty traffic remains blocked, causing significant delays for motorists. The incident continues to be examined to establish the cause of the high-speed impact.

Why it matters

The crash highlights road safety risks on a major northern Australian highway and disrupts regional traffic.

In this story

head-on crashStuart Highwayfirefour deadtraffic diversionNT policeMarrakaiDarwininvestigation