Three people have died and two others remain in hospital following a crash in Howard Springs this morning.

Senior Sergeant John Worrall of the Major Crash Investigation Section said the 22-year-old male driver and his family of four were travelling west along Girraween Road when the tragedy occurred.

“It appears the vehicle, a Toyota Corolla with five occupants (two adults and three children), has veered left off the road and crashed into a power pole,” Senior Sergeant Worrall said.

“As a result of the crash, three people, a woman aged 22 and two children, a boy aged four and little girl aged 18 months, died.

“The male driver and a three-year-old boy were conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital.

“Girraween Road was blocked between Bastin Road and McMinns Drive for a number of hours this morning but has been re-opened.”

Investigators are working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the crash.

Police will prepare a report for the Coroner.

This now takes the NT road toll to 22 compared to 25 for the same period last year.