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Ten people were injured when a car crashed into Newcastle Knights fans at a grand final send-off in Wallsend, including a five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man in critical condition.
Ten people were injured when a car crashed into a crowd of Newcastle Knights supporters gathered for a grand final send-off at Wallsend on Saturday 3 October 2026. The incident occurred about 9:30am at the Transfield Drive roundabout as fans lined the streets to farewell the team before its trip to Sydney for Sunday's NRL grand final.
Emergency Response to Wallsend Crash
Three emergency services helicopters and 15 ambulances rushed to the scene after reports that multiple people had been struck by a vehicle. Several helicopters landed on a nearby oval to help transport patients to hospital. Ten people were taken to John Hunter Hospital in various conditions.
Two of the injured, a five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man, were in a critical condition. The other eight were treated for injuries and included another five-year-old girl, a two-year-old girl and a 63-year-old woman.
NSW Police said the incident was not targeted and that thousands of people were lining the streets when the car struck members of the crowd. The Newcastle Knights team bus was due to pass through the area but diverted to a different route away from the procession of fans shortly after the incident.
Driver Arrested After Erratic Driving
Assistant Commissioner David Waddell said the driver, an 18-year-old P-plater, was driving erratically before losing control of the vehicle and going into the crowd. The man was arrested at the scene and underwent drug and alcohol testing. Police said he would likely be charged on Saturday afternoon.
Assistant Commissioner Waddell said the crowd sought to stop the driver, as well as two passengers who were also in the vehicle, in the ensuing fracas at the scene. He praised the efforts of those in the crowd who helped to provide first aid to the injured.
Community and Leaders Respond to Incident
Police Minister Yasmin Catley attended the scene and said that so many people had been affected by one person's split-second decision.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Gavin Morris said the city would come together for those injured and their families. He added that the incident had obviously shifted the entire mood but that the community would get through it.
NSW Premier Chris Minns described the incident as a tragedy for the Newcastle community. He said it was heartbreaking to see fans sending off their grand final team involved in such a terrible incident, and that his thoughts were with the families and friends of loved ones involved or injured. He also thanked emergency services including police and ambulance who responded to the tragedy.
Knights director of football Chris James made a brief statement when the team arrived in Sydney. He said the thoughts of everyone at the club were with those impacted by the event, their families and those on scene.
Newcastle Knights Wallsend Car Crash NRL Grand Final John Hunter Hospital NSW Police Yasmin Catley Chris Minns
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