Family found dead and boy missing after car breaks down in Australian outback
Search for 12-year-old boy believed to have been passenger in vehicle
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Two adults, both aged 19, and their three-year-old son have been found dead after their car broke down on a remote road in the Australian outback.
Police said the bodies were found 4.5km from the vehicle, around 1,000km (620 miles) south of Darwin on Wednesday.
Northern Territory Police said a search was also underway for a 12-year-old boy who was believed to be a passenger in the car.
The deaths are not being treated as suspicious.
Authorities are investigating whether heat may have been a factor in their deaths as temperatures had reached 40C in the area over recent days.
The group was last seen on Friday leaving Willowra, a small settlement 210 miles north of Alice Springs.
Police were alerted to the deaths when a man entered a local health clinic and raised the alarm just after midday on Wednesday, ABC News reports.
They did not say who had alerted authorities, but police believe he will be crucial to the investigation, and was “quite distraught from what he’s found.”
Northern Territory Police Superindendent Jody Nobbs said: “Initially we thought it was the result of a car crash, however we’re confident it’s not.
“We don’t believe the circumstances are suspicious.”
Police said they would continue investigations and prepare a report for the coroner.
Support free-thinking journalism and subscribe to Independent Minds
They also warned about the dangers of travelling through remote areas of the country.
“This does serve as a timely reminder to anybody travelling on the Northern Territory roads, when you do travel, your vehicle is in a fit state for travel,” Superintendent Nobbs said.
“And that you have sufficient supplies including water and a first aid kit, and someone is aware of what your travel itinerary is.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments