A teenager has died after the stolen vehicle he was inside rolled on a major Northern Territory highway in the early hours of this morning.

NT Police said in a statement officers had responded to reports a vehicle had rolled on the Stuart Highway, about three kilometres north of Katherine, just before 6am today.

Emergency services attended the scene, and three 14-year-old children were taken to hospital.

“A 16-year-old male suffered critical injuries and, despite the efforts of paramedics, was declared deceased at the scene,” NT Police said in a statement.

The highway has been closed in both directions, from the town’s north to the Emungalan Road intersection.

Police said the crash had “resulted” from a “a series of alleged vehicle thefts overnight”, which were under investigation.

“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,” the statement said.

“It is alleged the occupants subsequently travelled to Charles Darwin University, where the stolen vehicle was abandoned before two additional vehicles were allegedly stolen.

“Throughout the evening, the vehicles were observed driving erratically through the Katherine CBD.

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

“Due to the dangerous manner of driving, officers did not engage in a pursuit of the vehicle.”

Police said one of those stolen vehicles was involved in this morning’s fatal crash.

Crash follows crime warning

The fatal incident follows a series of serious stolen vehicle rollovers involving young people in Katherine, which last month prompted the town’s mayor to call for support to address violent crime in the area.

In April, police confirmed 14 cars had been stolen in Katherine in four weeks and said the town was experiencing a crime “spike”.

Just last month, a four-wheel drive belonging to the Katherine Regional Arts organisation — which is run by local volunteers — rolled with up to seven young people inside, some of whom were hospitalised with serious injuries.

Another group of young people were hospitalised in February, after rolling a stolen car in the centre of town.

Katherine police captured the incident on CCTV, sharing it online and saying reports at the time “indicated up to 10 youths” were inside the vehicle.

To stay updated on when the highway will reopen, check Road Report NT for closures and travel advice.

SOURCE: ABC NEWS

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-02/teenager-killed-in-fatal-crash-katherine-vehicle-rollover/106748342