Drivers badly hurt in head-on collision

DRUGS may have played a part in a head-on collision in Darwin yesterday, Territory police said.

Speaking at the crash scene, the Accident Investigation Unit's Sergeant Russell Ruehland said drugs were found in one of the vehicles.

"There are indications there may be drugs involved in this crash," he said. The crash happened outside the Fannie Bay racecourse on Dick Ward Drive about 2.40pm.

It is believed a vehicle travelling inbound strayed into the opposite lane and into the path of an oncoming car.

Both drivers, a man and a woman, suffered "extremely serious" leg injuries. One driver also suffered a chest injury.

No passengers were in either car.

Emergency crews were forced to cut both drivers from their vehicles.

Sgt Ruehland said it was unlikely either car - a dark green late model Mazda 323 Astina sedan driven by the woman and a grey 1980s Mitsubishi Magna station wagon - were speeding.

"I would suggest that probably both were travelling at normal road speed, which is 60km/h," he said.

"At this stage, seat belt wearing hasn't been ruled out in one of the vehicles. That will be looked at."

The crash followed a three-day police blitz on bad drivers.

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: Sat, 08th October 2005
Source: Northern Territory News
Email: ntnmail@ntn.newsltd.com.au
Website: http://www.ntnews.com.au
Copyright: 2005 Northern Territory News