Members of the public rushed to help after a Ford Ranger collided with a Toyota HiAce on the Stuart Highway 75km east of Darwin around 12.50pm on Wednesday. "Unfortunately, despite the efforts of everyone involved ... five lives were lost," Acting Commander Richard Griffiths said. Preliminary investigations indicated the Ford Ranger "for unknown reasons" veered onto the wrong side of the road while heading north, crashing into the Toyota, he said. Names of the dead have not been released but police believe they know the families involved and have contacted them, Commander Griffiths said. The tragedy would have a "long and deep impact" on all concerned, including family, friends and first responders, Commander Griffiths said.