Car hits crowd at Knights NRL grand final farewell in Newcastle, injuring 10

Ten people were injured, two critically, when a car struck a crowd in Newcastle on Saturday morning as fans waited to farewell the Knights team bus ahead of the NRL grand final. NSW Police said a five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man were in critical condition, while eight others were stable, including a two-year-old girl and another five-year-old girl. The injured were treated at the scene by ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital. Emergency services were called to Newcastle Link Road at the Transfield Drive roundabout in Wallsend about 9.30am.

An 18-year-old P-plate driver was arrested at the scene and taken to hospital for mandatory testing, police said, with two other people in the car. Assistant Commissioner David Waddell said there were reports the man was driving erratically before losing control and hitting the crowd, and that he was expected to be charged later on Saturday. Waddell said officers had to get the car's occupants out because the crowd turned on them.

Police said initial inquiries indicated the incident was not believed to be terror related and an investigation had begun. More than 1,000 people were gathered in the area, according to roads minister Jenny Aitchison, who said the incident could have been worse. Newcastle mayor Gavin Morris told the ABC the driver, a Knights fan, lost control while revving his car shortly before the team arrived.

Footage posted on social media appeared to show the car being driven quickly around a roundabout shortly before the crash. Witness Dylan Prior told ABC News the car was revving before it ran into a group of people, and that he saw young children "go flying" as people ran to help and screamed for help.

Police minister Yasmin Catley said many lives had been affected by a split-second decision and urged drivers to take care over the NSW long weekend. Premier Chris Minns said his thoughts were with the families and friends of those injured, while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had spoken with Minns and offered federal government support.

The Newcastle Link Road was closed in both directions, forcing the Knights to divert their grand final procession. The club confirmed the route change in an Instagram post, apologising to fans who may have missed farewelling the team but saying public safety was its priority. Police appealed for fans to leave the area and keep roadways clear for emergency services.