Teenage boy dies after stolen car rolls on major NT highway

A teenager has died following a stolen car rollover on a major Northern Territory highway early this morning. The incident occurred on the Stuart Highway, approximately three kilometers north of Katherine, just before 6 a.m.

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A 16-year-old male suffered critical injuries and, despite the efforts of paramedics, was declared deceased at the scene.

Emergency services responded to the scene, where a 16-year-old male sustained critical injuries. Despite paramedics' efforts, he was pronounced deceased at the location. Three other 14-year-old children who were in the vehicle were transported to the hospital.

Northern Territory Police stated that the crash "resulted" from a series of alleged vehicle thefts that took place overnight. The investigation into these thefts is ongoing. Police reported receiving a call about an unlawful entry and vehicle theft shortly before 10:30 p.m. the previous night.

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The crash had "resulted" from a "a series of alleged vehicle thefts overnight", which were under investigation.

It is alleged that the occupants of the stolen vehicle then traveled to the Charles Darwin University campus, abandoned that vehicle, and allegedly stole two additional vehicles. Throughout the evening, these vehicles were seen driving erratically through Katherine's central business district. The occupants allegedly attempted to provoke police by baiting patrol vehicles and throwing objects, causing damage to one police car.

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Police received a report just before 10:30pm yesterday of an unlawful entry at a property on Zimin Drive, where a vehicle had allegedly been stolen.

Due to the dangerous manner of driving, officers did not initiate a pursuit. Police confirmed that one of the vehicles stolen during the night was involved in the fatal crash this morning. This fatal incident follows a pattern of serious stolen vehicle rollovers involving young people in Katherine, prompting the town's mayor last month to call for support in addressing violent crime in the area. In April, police reported 14 cars stolen in Katherine within four weeks, describing the town as experiencing a crime "spike."

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The occupants allegedly attempted to provoke police by baiting patrol vehicles and throwing objects at officers, resulting in damage to a police vehicle.