A WOMAN’S tragic death in a two-car accident in Coolalinga on Friday night was just one of five road crashes recorded in the lead-up to Cyclone Marcus making landfall in the Top End.
Her death was the second fatality on Territory roads this week. The road toll for 2018 is now nine, compared to six at the same time last year.
The crash, which occurred just before 6pm on the Stuart Highway, saw traffic backed up for hours as emergency teams worked to put diversions in place.
Major Crash Investigators reopened the southbound lanes about 2am yesterday.
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READ NOWThe driver and a passenger of one of the vehicles, along with the driver of a second vehicle, were taken to Royal Darwin Hospital by St John Ambulance.
Investigators are now urging anyone who witnessed the crash or who may have dash- cam footage to contact police.
Several bystanders who witnessed the crash tried to give first aid at the scene.
Coolalinga residents took to social media in the aftermath to discuss what many felt were preventive measures that could have been taken to avoid this tragedy.
Local resident Chris Mumford said traffic lights were needed at the intersection, at the Stuart Highway Service Rd, in order to avoid further incidents.
Laura Perriam said the number of crashes at the site over the years warranted action.
“They need to do something and quick. I have also seen so many near-misses there,” she wrote.
Jeananne Baker said there should be no traffic lights but the intersection needed to be removed.
“That section needs to be closed, making everyone go down to the lights,” she said.
“If it was closed off, a family would not be mourning the loss of their loved one tonight.
“I have lived here for many years and regularly drive through Coolalinga on our way to town.
“It’s unsafe and more lights are definitely not the answer.”