NT Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a motor vehicle crash in Katherine early this morning involving four youths aged between 11 and 17 years.

It is believed that the youths were travelling on Lockheed Road in a stolen vehicle at about 3am, when the driver struck a makeshift bollard of boulders and logs at the end of the dead-end road.

The vehicle was launched into the air, rolling a number of times before coming to rest about 40 metres away.

Four youths walked away from the crash but were subsequently spoken to by police.

Commander Michael Hebb of Central Command said it could have been a very different, and a far more tragic outcome.

“It was just good luck that our police officers were not required to notify families this morning that a child of theirs had died,” he said.

“We implore friends and families of any youth, that they believe might engage in such risky and unlawful behaviour, to take the responsibility to highlight the potential consequences and trauma that can be felt by so many across the community.” 

“It’s simply not worth the risk.”

An 11-year-old remains in hospital with non-life threatening injuries, while two twelve-year-olds and a 17-year-old were released into the care of their parents.

Investigations into alleged offences regarding the stolen vehicle and the crash are continuing.

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday at 6am from the Katherine Times. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.