A Newcastle crash that struck spectators gathered to see the Knights leave for the NRL grand final has left 10 people injured, including three young girls. A five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man are in a critical condition.
The collision happened on Newcastle Link Road at about 9.30am on Saturday, shortly after the team bus carrying the Newcastle Knights departed for Sydney.
Thousands of supporters had lined the route, many wearing red, white and blue jerseys and carrying flags and hand-made signs. Families had gathered along the roadside in the hope of seeing the players and coach on their journey to the grand final against the Roosters.
The bus left at 9.27am after the team had attended a breakfast with Knights players from the 1997 and 2001 premiership-winning sides. As the vehicle pulled away, supporters chanted “Newcastle”.
Footage posted on social media appears to show a BMW travelling around a bend before crossing lane markings and striking people at the roadside. Screams can be heard as the footage ends.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, with police cars, ambulances and rescue vehicles moving through the city. Helicopters landed at a nearby cricket oval to transport injured people to John Hunter Hospital.
Ambulance spokesman Tim Troon said responders found a chaotic scene when they arrived.
“There were lots of people that were caring for patients at the time, and there was a lot of chaos,” he said.
Supporters who had been waiting for the Knights bus initially mistook the police vehicles for part of the team’s escort. As more emergency vehicles sped towards the crash site, the mood along the route changed from anticipation to shock.
The team bus was diverted, and some players and officials were told what had happened as the Knights made their way to Sydney. One team official was described as being close to tears.
Parents then began telling children who had gathered by the roadside that the players would not be passing them. Some children cried, while others struggled to understand the reason for the sudden change.
Newcastle crash overshadows Knights’ grand final journey
Knights supporter Jed Partridge, 29, had arrived at 8.20am and was watching from a cricket field as helicopters carried crash victims to hospital.
“We were on the side of the road, just waiting. Everyone was happy and then there was a real flurry of cop cars, ambos and rescue cars shooting past,” he said.
“[That] such a positive thing could quickly turn to this, it’s hard to wrap your head around, especially as apparently a little girl has been involved.”
Information was difficult to obtain as large numbers of people tried to use their phones, causing problems with reception. One police officer was overheard saying she had never seen anything like it in Newcastle.
By the time the Knights arrived in Sydney, NSW Premier Chris Minns and Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys had issued statements about the crash.
Earlier in the morning, coach Justin Holbrook had spoken about keeping his players focused amid a week of intense attention and support from Newcastle. The team had left the city as grand final underdogs, carrying the hopes of its rugby league supporters.
Knights captain Kalyn Ponga later posted a message of support for those affected.
“We’re thinking of you, your families and everyone in our Newcastle community,” he wrote. “Sending our love and support x.”
