Five people are now confirmed to have died following a two-vehicle head-on collision on the Stuart Highway on Wednesday, with NT Police calling for witnesses to the crash after alleging a speeding ute had been overtaking dangerously in the minutes before the collision.

Detective Senior Sergeant Michael Schumacher said police received multiple reports about 12.50pm on Wednesday of a head-on collision involving two vehicles on the Stuart Hwy, about 2km south of the Marrakai Road turn-off near Manton Dam.

He said both vehicles were fully engulfed in flames and there were no survivors. Police originally believed four people had died, but on Thursday Snr Sgt Schumacher said investigators had located the remains of a fifth victim.

“Investigations indicate the Ford Ranger was travelling northbound when, for reasons yet to be determined, it crossed onto the incorrect side of the Stuart Highway and collided head-on with the southbound Toyota HiAce,” Snr Srg Schumacher said.

“Both vehicles sustained catastrophic damage and caught fire shortly after impact.

“Members of the public who witnessed the crash attempted to render assistance, however, the occupants were unable to be extricated before both vehicles became fully engulfed in flames.

“Police worked throughout the night to identify those involved and have since spoken with the families of the deceased.”

A formal disaster victim identification process remains underway to confirm the identities of all those killed.

Snr Sgt Schumacher said those killed are believed to be: a 69-year-old woman, who was the sole occupant of a Toyota HiAce van; a 23-year-old male driver of a Ford Ranger; a 23-year-old female passenger of the ute; a 36-year-old male passenger of the ute; and a 32-year-old female passenger of the ute.

“This is an incredibly tragic incident that has claimed five lives and will have a devastating impact on multiple families and the wider community,” Snr Sgt Schumacher said.

“Witnesses have told investigators the utility was travelling at excessive speed and overtaking dangerously in the minutes leading up to the collision.

“We urge anyone who witnessed the driving of either vehicle prior to the crash, and who has not yet spoken to police, to come forward.”

Snr Sgt Schumacher said the section of the Stuart Hwy where the crash occurred remains a crime scene, with a detour in place and motorists advised to expect delays.

The Major Crash Investigation Unit continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The have been 23 people killed on the Territory’s roads this year, compared to 24 at the same time last year.

Police want anyone with information, dashcam footage, or who saw either vehicle driving before the collision, to call 131 444 (quote reference number NTP2600075309).