A car collided with a crowd of Newcastle residents waiting to bid farewell to the Knights team bus before the NRL grand final, leaving ten people injured, including a five‑year‑old girl and a 67‑year‑old man who are in critical condition. Eight other victims, among them a two‑year‑old and another five‑year‑old girl, are reported to be in stable condition.
Paramedics treated the injured on the scene before transporting them to John Hunter Hospital. The vehicle was driven by an 18‑year‑old P‑plate holder who was arrested and taken to hospital for mandatory testing. Police say the driver was revving the car and was driving erratically before losing control and careening into the crowd, a fact that will lead to charges later in the day.
The incident occurred on Newcastle Link Road at the Transfield Drive roundabout in Wallsend around 9:30 am. The road was closed in both directions, forcing the Knights grand final procession to change routes. Footage posted online shows the car speeding around the roundabout before veering off the road.
Police Minister Yasmin Catley urged drivers to exercise caution over the NSW long weekend, while Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison noted the tragedy could have been worse given the 1,000‑plus crowd present. Newcastle Mayor Gavin Morris said the driver was a Knights fan who lost control after revving the engine. Premier Chris Minns and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese both expressed condolences and thanked emergency services for their swift response.
