Australia: Car crashes into rugby fans, 10 injured

A car veered into a gathering of rugby supporters in Newcastle, Australia on Saturday, causing at least ten people to be injured, authorities reported. Among the casualties were children and two individuals who were in critical condition - a five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man. The incident took place in Newcastle's Wallsend suburb, located about 68 miles north of Sydney.

The rugby team's fans had congregated on the streets to support their team, the Newcastle Knights, as they were set to travel to Sydney for the National Rugby League grand final on Sunday. Initial reports identified the driver as an 18-year-old man, who was subsequently apprehended and taken to the hospital for mandatory testing.

Newcastle's Mayor Gavin Morris, in an address on television, described the driver as a fellow rugby fan who lost control of his vehicle "somewhere between excitement and control." He did not provide further details. Police have stated that their investigation is ongoing and that there is no indication of terrorism being involved.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the event as "horrible," emphasizing that rugby league is meant to bring people together and that this incident should not have marred the excitement and pride for Newcastle fans.