Multiple People Injured After Car Drives Into Newcastle Knights Fans

Onlookers hurled insults at an 18-year-old P-plater after he allegedly drove into a crowd of Newcastle Knights supporters, injuring 10 people, including children, as fans gathered to farewell the team before the NRL Grand Final.

Emergency services were called to the Newcastle Link Road roundabout on Transfield Avenue at about 9.30am on Saturday after reports that a vehicle had crashed into the crowd.

The driver of the gold BMW was arrested at the scene and taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

Ten people were treated for injuries, including a five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man, who were both in a critical condition.

Eight others were in a stable condition. They included another five-year-old girl, a two-year-old girl and adults aged between 25 and 63.

All those injured were taken to John Hunter Hospital. Police are investigating the incident and said it was not believed to be terror-related.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Gavin Morris confirmed on Saturday morning that the P-plater was a Knights supporter who had attended the celebration.

‘It appears that he was revving the car in some form. He was excited. He was a supporter,’ he told ABC News.

‘He was there for the joy of the moment as well. And somehow, yes, he has lost control of the car.

‘He’s gone into the crowd and I believe about nine were injured, which sadly also included children.’

The crash disrupted the planned route of the Newcastle Knights’ Grand Final procession, which was diverted along an alternative route.

Video circulating on social media captured the driver’s arrest, while onlookers could be heard shouting insults at the young man.

The Newcastle Knights later responded to the incident in a statement shared on social media.

‘We apologise to anybody who was waiting and missed the bus, but public safety is our priority,’ the club said.

A club representative addressed reporters early on Saturday afternoon.

‘The thoughts of everyone at our club are with those that are impacted by this event, [with] their families, and also those [who] are on scene,’ he said.

‘Respectfully, now, this is a matter for NSW Police so, at this stage, the club can make no further comment.’

Newcastle Link Road has been closed in both directions and is expected to remain closed for some time while inquiries continue.

‘Police acknowledge many loyal supporters may have missed the opportunity to see the team and show their support,’ a police statement said. 

‘Members of the public are asked to safely disperse from the area and keep roadways clear to assist emergency services and traffic management efforts. 

‘Police thank the community for their patience, cooperation and assistance. Further information will be provided as it becomes available.’

NSW Premier Chris Minns urged fans travelling to Sydney for the game to take care on the roads. 

‘It’s heartbreaking to see fans who were sending off their grand final team involved in such a terrible incident,’ he said.

‘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.

‘We’ve seen how this grand final has brought Newcastle together, and I hope the whole community remains united as we continue to respond.’

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also spoken out, saying he had discussed the incident with Minns.

‘My thoughts are with everyone injured or involved in the horrible incident this morning in Newcastle,’ Albanese said. 

‘I want to acknowledge and thank emergency services and police for responding so quickly, and for their ongoing work treating those injured.

‘Rugby league brings people together, and this should have been a weekend of excitement and pride for Newcastle fans.’

More to come.