Early this morning, the Northern Territory Police commenced investigating a fatal crash in Alice Springs.
Just before 2am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report about the theft of a grey Toyota Hilux dual cab utility, registered in South Australia, from a caravan park on Palm Place, Ross.
A burglary occurred at a cabin at the caravan park, resulting in the theft of the vehicle keys. The stolen motor vehicle was driven through the park's boom gate towards the Ross Highway.
Around 3:40am, the vehicle overturned and crashed while attempting a right turn onto Railway Terrace from Gregory Terrace. CCTV footage captured the incident, revealing a male passenger seated on the door in the open window space when the crash occurred. The vehicle rolled on him, rendering him unconscious.
Eight males were observed fleeing from the overturned vehicle in various directions.
An 18-year-old male passenger, found in critical condition, was transported to Alice Springs Hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Detective Senior Sergeant Brendan Lindner said, "Alice Springs Criminal Investigation Branch and Major Crash detectives are investigating the circumstances of the crash and the alleged criminal offending leading up to the crash."
"Police are appealing to anyone with information who can assist in the burglary and crash investigations, particularly to identify those involved, to contact police."
Anyone with information is urged to contact the police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, quoting reference number P24064882.
