The NT Police investigations into fatal crashes in Katherine and Yulara on Friday highlighted the lack of seatbelts as contributing factors in the deaths of three people who were ejected from their vehicles upon impact.

“All victims who were thrown out of their vehicles were not wearing seatbelts,” Detective Senior Sergeant Brendan Lindner said.

The first incident occurred at 6:51am Friday, 40 kilometres south of Katherine, where two women, aged in their 20s and 30s, died when their Toyota ute rolled over. Both were thrown out of the vehicle and died at the scene.

“Major Crash detectives are currently seeking to speak to witnesses familiar with the deceased women who can provide information about their movements before the crash,” Sgt Lindner said.

A second crash happened at around 4:00 am on the Lasseter Highway near Yulara—445 kilometres from Alice Springs—when a Mitsubishi sedan rolled several times.

A male occupant in his 30s, who was also not wearing a seatbelt, was thrown from the vehicle. Police and a local clinic nurse performed CPR and emergency care but the victim died on the scene, police said.

The car’s two female occupants, both in their 20s, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.

“Any witnesses who saw the crash or anyone who attended a social function with those involved before the crash are urged to contact police to assist the investigation,” Sgt Lindner said.

“Alcohol is believed to be involved and a sample of the driver’s blood will be subject to forensic toxicology.”

This year’s death toll on Territory roads has reached 44, already surpassing last year’s reported 35 deaths.