NT Police are looking for witnesses who may have seen a woman killed after being struck by two vehicles on Thorngate Road in Holtze around 7:30pm Friday night.

Police said the woman, who has now been identified as a 72-year-old “local woman”, was hit by the first vehicle in the road and then immediately struck by a second vehicle travelling in the opposite lane. The woman was later pronounced dead at the scene and a crime scene was established.

“This was a particularly confronting scene to recover the deceased woman from underneath a large vehicle,” Detective Senior Sergeant Brendan Lindner said.

“Major Crash detectives have commenced an investigation to determine how and why this crash occurred.”

Police said on Monday morning that the woman’s family has been notified of her death. Police said she was an elderly Aboriginal woman who was wearing a “brightly coloured, predominantly yellow, patterned dress”.

Police has been undertaking forensic work to identify the woman through fingerprints and DNA.

Drivers of both vehicles stopped at the scene and waited for police to arrive, it was reported.

Detectives specifically want to speak with the driver of a 4WD who was travelling on Thorngate Road towards Yarrawonga shortly before the crash. It is believed the driver tried to alert an oncoming vehicle of a road hazard by flashing high beam lights.

“This driver is a potential witness who may be able assist investigators identify the movements of the deceased prior to the crash,” said Detective Senior Sergeant Brendan Lindner.

Any witnesses who saw the pedestrian or believe they can help with the investigation are urged to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference number 10157928.

A total of 45 people have been killed on the Territory’s roads so far this year. The fatalities are 10 more than the total deaths recorded last year.