A five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man are in a critical condition after a car struck a crowd of Knights fans farewelling the team bus in Newcastle on Saturday morning.
Ten people were injured when 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.
All ten were treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital. One person was airlifted by helicopter from Wallsend.
The other eight remain in a stable condition. They are a second five-year-old girl, a two-year-old girl, a 31-year-old woman, a 63-year-old woman, and four men aged 24, 25, 48, and 57.
The P-plate driver of the vehicle, an 18-year-old man, was arrested and taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
Police have started an investigation into the circumstances of the incident. Initial inquiries indicate it is not believed to be terror related.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Gavin Morris said the driver was “revving his car, he was very excited” and lost control of the vehicle, crashing sideways into the crowd.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District attended, alongside Traffic and Highway Patrol officers and NSW Ambulance paramedics.
Newcastle Link Road was closed in both directions and was 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.
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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