Northern Territory Police are urging road users to take care on the roads following multiple crashes throughout the Territory over the weekend.
Three people sustained injuries following a vehicle rollover at Robinson River yesterday afternoon. The vehicle had been travelling on the Carpentaria Highway when it rolled and landed on its side at approximately 1:45pm.
A 19-year-old female was thrown from the vehicle and trapped under a roof rack and a 17-year-old female was trapped under the passenger side of the vehicle. The 27-year-old female driver managed to free herself from the vehicle and ran to call for assistance. A 14-year-old male sustained no injuries. Police believe none of the vehicle occupants were wearing seatbelts at the time.
The majority of Robinson River Community attended the scene to assist with the crash. Borroloola Police commend the community members who used a jack, forklift and timber logs to lift the vehicle and free the trapped passengers in conjunction with clinic staff. All injured parties were subsequently transported to Darwin by a CareFlight fixed-wing aircraft.
Initial inquiries suggest that the driver may have been drinking after she returned a positive alcohol reading of 0.084. Police allege she was also driving unlicensed and the vehicle involved was unregistered. The woman has been issued a notice to appear in Borroloola Local Court for multiple traffic offences on 6 January 2020.
Police were notified of another vehicle rollover at Gunn Point Beach around midnight yesterday. A 20-year-old male sustained significant leg injuries after he was thrown from the roof of a vehicle and it rolled on top of him. The male driver, also 20, returned a positive alcohol reading of 0.080.
Deputy Commissioner Narelle Beer said both vehicle rollovers could have been avoided.
“The Robinson River crash is an example of the reasons road trauma often occurs. The combination of alcohol, remoteness and lack of seatbelts could have been a recipe for disaster. Fortunately, all vehicle occupants were extremely lucky to escape with their lives.”
“There were 31 crashes, nine of which resulted in injuries, reported to Northern Territory Police between Friday morning and Sunday evening. As Territorians, we can do better. It is the responsibility of all road users to ensure the safety of everyone on our roads.”
