Nine people have been injured, one critically, after a car struck a crowd of Knights fans gathered to farewell the team bus in Newcastle on Saturday morning.
Emergency services were called to Newcastle Link Road at the Transfield Drive roundabout, near Wallsend, about 9.30am on Saturday, 3 October, following reports a vehicle had struck multiple people in a crowd.
The fans had lined the road to cheer on the Newcastle Knights as the team headed off for Sunday’s NRL grand final in Sydney.
Several people were treated at the scene. NSW Ambulance confirmed multiple people were then taken to John Hunter Hospital.
One person, in a critical condition, needed to be airlifted by helicopter from Wallsend to John Hunter Hospital. Another has been described as critical but stable.
The driver of the vehicle was arrested at the scene.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District are on scene, assisted by Traffic and Highway Patrol Command officers and NSW Ambulance paramedics.
Newcastle Link Road has been closed in both directions and is expected to remain closed for some time while inquiries continue.
The incident disrupted the planned route of the Knights’ grand final procession. The team bus was diverted via an alternate route and has now left Newcastle.
Police acknowledged many loyal supporters may have missed the chance to see the team and show their support.
Members of the public have been asked to safely disperse from the area and keep roadways clear to help emergency services and traffic management efforts.
Police thanked the community for its patience, cooperation, and assistance, and said further information will be provided as it becomes available.
The Knights’ run to the NRL decider has sparked an avalanche of fan support across Newcastle in recent days.
Diehard fans waited in the rain for the team bus to return from Sydney last weekend after the Knights’ 22-14 qualifying win over Penrith.
Thousands turned up to team training during the week, and some fans have even painted their houses in team colours.
A large crowd had lined Newcastle’s streets on Saturday morning to farewell the players.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said it was heartbreaking to see fans who were sending off their grand final team involved in such a terrible incident.
He urged people to drive safely this grand final weekend.
“My thoughts are with the families and friends of loved ones who have been involved or injured in the crash,” he said.
“I also want to thank emergency services including police and ambulance who are responding to this tragedy.”
“We’ve seen how this grand final has brought the Newcastle together, and I hope the whole community remains united as we continue to respond.”
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