Police confirm 'no surviving occupants' after ute, car engulfed in flames

Five people killed in fiery head-on crash on Stuart Highway, near MarrakaiPosted Wed 5 Aug 2026 at 6:43pmWed 5 Aug 2026 at 6:43pm, updated Thu 6 Aug 2026 at 8:48amThu 6 Aug 2026 at 8:48amPolice 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 five people.Northern Territory Police say both vehicles were engulfed by flames after the head-on collision and "there were no surviving occupants".The area remains a crime scene with a detour in place.Five people have died in a fiery head-on crash between two vehicles on the Stuart Highway, south-east of Darwin, on Wednesday 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.NT Police initially said the crash had claimed "at least four lives", but overnight a fifth deceased person was located during the ongoing examination of the scene."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."NT Police said investigations indicate a Ford Ranger, travelling northbound, crossed onto the wrong side of the highway and collided head-on with the Toyota HiAce, believed to be a goods van, travelling southbound. Both vehicles sustained catastrophic damage and caught fire shortly after impact.Both lanes of the Stuart Highway have been closed as authorities investigate the crash. (ABC News: Marcus Kennedy)NT Police said a 69-year-old woman, the sole occupant of the HiAce, was among the deceased, along with the 23-year-old male driver of the Ford Ranger ute and his three passengers, two women aged 23 and 32, and a 36-year-old man.Police worked throughout the night to identify the victims and have since notified their families.Detective Senior Sergeant Michael Schumacher said investigators were continuing to piece together the circumstances."This is an incredibly tragic incident that has claimed five lives and will have a devastating impact on multiple families and the wider community," he said."Witnesses have told investigators the utility was travelling at excessive speed and overtaking dangerously in the minutes leading up to the collision."He urged any witnesses who saw either vehicle prior to the crash to come forward.Police have urged motorists to avoid the area. (ABC News: Marcus Kennedy)Yesterday a section of the Stuart Highway was been closed in both directions, with traffic diversions causing heavy delays. The area remains a crime scene and a detour is in place. Police said motorists should expect delays in the area.