Passenger dies after car ploughs into tree
HIGH speed is believed to be a factor in a car accident that killed a 28-year-old woman in Alice Springs Friday night.
Detective Sergeant Michael Schumacher of the Major Crash Investigation Unit said a Ford Festiva carrying five occupants was travelling south along the Stuart Highway at about 7.45pm when the crash occurred near Hungry Jacks.
‘‘It is believed the 40-year-
It appears speed may have been a contributing factor
old female driver lost control of the vehicle around a sweeping bend, causing the car to mount the gutter and strike a tree,’’ Detective Sergeant Schumacher said.
‘‘Police, Fire and Rescue and St John Ambulance attended the scene, however the 28-year-old woman was declared deceased.
‘‘The driver and three other passengers all received injuries and were taken to Alice Springs Hospital.’’
One of the passengers is believed to have suffered a broken leg, and the other received pelvic injuries.
‘‘ Investigations into the cause of the crash are under way, however at this early stage it appears speed may have been a contributing factor,’’ Detective Sergeant Schumacher said.
Police are preparing a report for the Coroner.
The Northern Territory road toll has risen to 35 this year. The road toll for the same time last year was 44.
Evening shift Northern Watch Commander Senior Sergeant Garry Smith last night urged drivers to take care on the roads following the tragedy, adding that a 23-year-old man in Darwin was picked up asleep at the wheel of a running car and with a high range alcohol reading of 0.174 per cent.
‘‘ Terrible night on the roads, yet people still take a chance,’’ Senior Sergeant Smith said.
‘‘This is absolutely frustrating for police and why do people take the chance.’’
He said the man was picked up on Mitchell St after failing to drive through green lights.