Members of the public rushed to help after a Ford Ranger ute collided with a Toyota HiAce van on the Stuart Highway 75km east of Darwin about 12.50pm on Wednesday. Their bravery was highlighted by Northern Territory Police, who said they did everything they could to save lives. "Unfortunately, despite the efforts of everyone involved ... five lives were lost," Acting Commander Richard Griffiths said on Thursday. Police said witnesses had told investigators the Ford Ranger was travelling "at excessive speed" and overtaking dangerously in the minutes leading up to the collision. Names of the dead had not been released but police believe they know the families involved and had contacted them, Commander Griffiths said.