Ten people, including three children, have been hospitalised after a car struck Newcastle Knights supporters gathered in Wallsend ahead of the team’s grand final against the Sydney Roosters.
A five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man are in critical condition, NSW Police said. Eight other people are stable, including a two-year-old girl, another five-year-old girl, two women aged 31 and 63, and four men aged 24, 25, 48 and 57.
Emergency services were called to Newcastle Link Road, near the Transfield Drive roundabout, at about 9.30am after reports that a vehicle had hit several people lining the route to see the Knights team bus.
Police said they did not believe the incident was targeted or terror-related. Officers are investigating whether the 18-year-old P-plater lost control of the vehicle shortly before the collision.
The driver was arrested at the scene and taken to hospital for mandatory drug and alcohol testing. He has not been charged.
Several injured people were treated at the scene, while others were taken to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle. Helicopters were seen overhead as emergency crews responded, with police, ambulance and Traffic and Highway Patrol officers attending.
Newcastle Link Road was closed in both directions and authorities asked members of the public to leave the area and keep the roads clear. The closure was expected to remain in place while inquiries continued.
The crash forced the Newcastle Knights’ grand final procession to take an alternative route. The team bus, which was travelling to Sydney, was diverted before later departing Newcastle.
The Knights apologised to supporters who had been waiting along the route but said public safety was the priority.
Newcastle Mayor Gavin Morris said the incident had been particularly shocking after a week of celebrations in the city.
“It’s just been a magical week of positivity and support, and we’ve all come together,” he said.
“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.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns said it was heartbreaking that supporters sending off the grand final team had been caught up in the crash.
“My thoughts are with the families and friends of loved ones who have been involved or injured in the crash. I also want to thank emergency services including police and ambulance who are responding to this tragedy,” he said.
“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.”
