10 Injured as Car Crashes Into Rugby Fans in Newcastle, Australia
NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA — WEB DESK: Ten people were injured, including two critically, after a car struck a crowd of rugby league supporters in Newcastle, Australia, on Saturday morning, prompting a major emergency response and the arrest of an 18-year-old driver.
The incident occurred at around 9:30am local time on Newcastle Link Road near the Transfield Drive roundabout in Wallsend.
Thousands of Newcastle Knights supporters had gathered along local streets to farewell the team ahead of Sunday’s National Rugby League grand final in Sydney.
A vehicle struck members of the crowd during the gathering, leaving 10 people injured.
A five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man remain in critical condition after being taken to John Hunter Hospital.
The other eight injured people remain in stable condition. They include another five-year-old girl, a two-year-old girl, two women aged 31 and 63, and four men aged between 24 and 57.
Emergency services mounted a major response, with ambulances and rescue helicopters deployed to assist the injured.
The driver, an 18-year-old provisional licence holder, was arrested at the scene and taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
Police have opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Initial inquiries indicate that the incident is not believed to be terrorism-related and was not considered a targeted attack.
Police said early evidence suggested the young driver had been driving erratically before losing control of the vehicle and entering the crowd.
The incident disrupted the Newcastle Knights’ planned farewell procession, with the team’s bus diverted from the area following the crash.
Newcastle Link Road was closed in both directions as investigators examined the scene.
The Newcastle Knights expressed concern for those affected by the incident, while Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also offered his thoughts to the injured and their families.
The investigation remains underway, with police expected to determine whether charges will be filed against the driver following mandatory testing and further inquiries.
