A vehicle struck a crowd of spectators standing on a road north of Sydney on Saturday, injuring ten people, including several children, officials said. The incident occurred while fans were cheering for the Newcastle Knights rugby team.
Two of the injured were in critical condition: a 5‑year‑old girl and a 67‑year‑old man. The other eight were reported to be in stable condition, including another 5‑year‑old girl and a 2‑year‑old girl, according to New South Wales police.
Police arrested an 18‑year‑old man who was driving the vehicle and are investigating the circumstances of the crash. Authorities said the incident was not believed to be related to terrorism.
Newcastle mayor Gavin Morris stated in televised remarks that the driver appeared to have lost control of the car, which was revving at the time of impact. Thousands had lined the city’s streets to cheer the Knights as they trained and to see the team bus depart before the National Rugby League grand final in Sydney on Sunday.
