Police from the Major Crash Unit are continuing their investigations into the fatal single motor vehicle crash that occurred on Sunday afternoon.

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant John Worrall of the Major Crash Investigation Unit said two vehicles were travelling together towards Darwin at around 1:00pm.

“It appears the first vehicle has swerved to avoid a wallaby but has struck it and it was then thrown into the path of the second vehicle.

“The second vehicle veered sharply to avoid the animal, lost control and struck a tree before it then caught fire.

“The 17-year-old male driver of the first vehicle veered off the road into a drainage ditch after realising the car behind had crashed, then returned and unsuccessfully tried to extricate the 18-year-old from the vehicle. 

“The 18-year-old male driver of the second vehicle has died as a result of the crash.

“The 17-year-old was taken to Royal Darwin Hospital to receive treatment for burns. He remains in a stable condition.

“Police believe speed and alcohol are not factors in the crash and investigations are ongoing.”