NT Police say fatal crash in Darwin being investigated as death in custody

NT Police has said a fatal two-car collision following a police pursuit this morning in Darwin is being investigated as a death in custody.

A woman died at the scene after the crash, police said.

In a statement, NT Police said the collision occurred in Alawa at the intersection of Trower Road and Rapid Creek Road about 2:30am.

Police alleged that a small hatchback carrying four adult passengers ran a red light at the intersection before colliding with a single-occupant vehicle.

The police statement said emergency services attended the scene where CPR was administered on a female passenger of the hatchback.

Police said the woman died a short time later.

All other vehicle occupants in the crash were taken to Royal Darwin Hospital and the alleged driver of the hatchback was taken into police custody at the hospital, according to police.

NT Police detective superintendent Peter Kennon said detectives from the crime division were undertaking an independent investigation on behalf of the coroner.

"This matter has been determined to be investigated as a death in custody with the investigation having oversight by the Professional Standards Command," he said.

Detective superintendent Kennon said the crash was "a tragic incident for all involved".