The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating the circumstances of a serious crash near Stuarts Well on Wednesday afternoon.
Around 2:45pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of a traffic crash on the Stuart Highway approximately 10km south of Stuarts Well.
At this stage, it is alleged a vehicle attended a service station in the area prior to the crash and failed to pay for fuel before leaving the premises.
A short time later, an employee from the service station followed the vehicle along the Stuart Highway.
It is further alleged the two vehicles travelled alongside each other before a collision occurred, causing one vehicle to leave the roadway and roll.
The employee returned to the service station and contacted police.
Police and St John Ambulance attended and located a 37-year-old male outside the vehicle and a 38-year-old female inside the vehicle. Both occupants were stabilised at the scene before they were conveyed to Alice Springs Hospital where they remain in critical but stable conditions.
A 22-year-old male was later arrested and is assisting police with enquiries.
Investigations are ongoing and police are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Anyone with information, or dash cam footage from the Stuart Highway between Stuarts Well and approximately 30km south of Stuarts Well around the time of the incident, is urged to make contact on 131 444 and quote reference number P26021338. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
