Arabic version: اعتقال رجل بعد حادث في أليس سبرينغز وطعن مزعوم

According to ABC News, Northern Territory Police have arrested a 22-year-old man after a driver allegedly suffered life-threatening injuries before attempting to drive through Alice Springs and crashing into a tree. Police said charges had not yet been laid, while investigations were continuing.

A single-vehicle crash was reported on Larapinta Drive, about 100 metres from the Telegraph Terrace intersection, at about 6:30am on Sunday. Police said the vehicle struck a tree on the median strip and an adult male driver was trapped inside. The crash occurred between Telegraph Terrace and George Crescent.

Police said their inquiries indicated the driver had injuries inconsistent with the collision and was believed to have been assaulted with an edged weapon before entering the vehicle. Further investigations identified an alleged assault at a Saltwell Street location. Police said the alleged offender was known to the victim.

Southern Watch Commander George Ciolka told ABC Radio Alice Springs that the victim was “well under 30” and had fairly substantial injuries. He said frontline responders provided life-saving first aid, and that the driver appeared to lose consciousness before the collision. Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Services assisted in removing him from the vehicle before he was taken to Alice Springs Hospital.

Commander Ciolka said the driver received immediate medical treatment that saved his life and remained in a critical condition on Monday morning. He said the matter would be brought before the courts that morning. Police asked anyone with information to call 131 444 and quote reference P26297171.