+34
A car struck a crowd of Newcastle Knights fans at Wallsend on Saturday morning, injuring 10 people including three young girls, with two in critical condition. The 18-year-old driver was arrested at the scene.
A car crashed into a crowd of Newcastle Knights fans who had lined the streets of Wallsend to farewell the team bus on Saturday morning.
Ten people were injured, including three young girls, and two remain in critical condition. The driver, an 18-year-old on P-plates, was arrested at the scene. The incident occurred about 9.30am on Newcastle Link Road at the Transfield Drive roundabout in Wallsend, a suburb of Newcastle. Fans of all ages had gathered to send off the team before their trip south to Sydney for Sunday's grand final against the Sydney Roosters.
Emergency Response at Wallsend Crash
A BMW struck the crowd as thousands lined the bus route. NSW Police said a large emergency services response involved officers from the Newcastle City Police District, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command officers and NSW Ambulance paramedics. Four rescue helicopters responded. Police do not believe the incident was targeted and are investigating if the driver lost control in the moments before the collision.
Two people remain in a critical condition: a five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man. The other eight injured are all in stable condition: a second five-year-old girl, a two-year-old girl, two women aged 31 and 63, and three men aged 24, 25 and 57. The car was allegedly driven by an 18-year-old on P-plates. Newcastle Mayor Gavin Morris said the driver was believed to be a Newcastle Knights fan who allegedly lost control.
"I've spoken to the authorities, a number of which, and look, first of all, it is under investigation, and the young driver is now with police, so it appears that he was revving the car in some form. He was excited. He was a supporter. He was, you know, a fan," Morris told ABC television.
Police Investigation and Club Response
Police continue to investigate. The Newcastle Knights said their thoughts were with everyone impacted by the incident, including those at the scene and their families.
"As this is a matter for NSW Police, the Club will not be making any further comment at this time," their statement said. Australian Rugby League Commission executive chairman Peter V'landys said he was deeply saddened and his thoughts were with the injured. Asked if the incident would impact grand final plans, V'landys said: "We're just concerned about the victims at the moment, that's all we're focusing on.
" Prime Minister Anthony Albanese thanked emergency services and police for responding quickly. "My thoughts are with everyone injured or involved in the horrible incident this morning in Newcastle. Rugby league brings people together, and this should have been a weekend of excitement and pride for Newcastle fans," Albanese said. 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.
Community Reactions and Road Closure
We've seen how this grand final has brought Newcastle together, and I hope the whole community remains united as we continue to respond.
" Local MP Sonia Hornery said: "Emergency services are on site. Newcastle Link Road is closed in both directions. Please avoid the area. I hope everyone involved is OK.
" The publication's chief sports reporter Tom Decent, live on site, added: "There are thousands and thousands of Knights fans on the street waiting to watch their heroes come through on the team but that's now not happening. That excitement has turned to confusion and concern for their fellow fans. It's chaos here at the moment. People have realised something very serious has happened.
" Morris added: "It's just been a magical week of positivity and support, and we've all come together. So it was an absolute shock to hear the news this morning, and yeah, the information has been coming through, you know, over the last 30, 40 minutes now, so it's really upsetting.
" The investigation continues and Newcastle Link Road remains closed in both directions. Fans had lined up in the streets of Newcastle to farewell the club after they departed their Centre of Excellence.
FOXSportsAUS
smh:This story was compiled and edited by the HeadTopics newsroom and HT AI from the reports above.
Newcastle Knights NRL Grand Final Newcastle Car Crash Pedestrian Incident Emergency Response Wallsend Car Crash Newcastle Link Road NSW Police Investigation
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Driver Arrested After Car Hits Newcastle Knights Fans, Nine HospitalizedA driver was arrested after losing control of a car and hitting Newcastle Knights fans in Wallsend, injuring nine people, including children. Two are in critical condition at John Hunter Hospital.
Read more »
Car hits Newcastle Knights fans at Wallsend, injuring 10 including three girlsA car struck a crowd of Newcastle Knights supporters at Wallsend, injuring 10 people including three young girls, with two in critical condition. The 18-year-old P-plate driver was arrested at the scene.
Read more »
Car Hits Newcastle Knights Fans at Wallsend Send-Off, 10 InjuredA car struck a crowd of Newcastle Knights fans at Wallsend on Saturday morning, injuring 10 people including three young girls. Two victims remain critical as police investigate whether the 18-year-old P-plate driver lost control.
Read more »