Multiple injured as car drives into large crowd cheering Newcastle Knights rugby team in Australia

A car crash in Newcastle, Australia, on Saturday caused nine people to be injured, including a child, according to local officials. The crowd had assembled to bid farewell to the Newcastle Knights rugby league team, who were set to play their grand final match against the Sydney Roosters the following day. The driver of the vehicle, a passionate rugby fan, lost control of the car and plowed into the cheering supporters, according to Mayor Gavin Morris of Newcastle.

Morris told national broadcaster ABC that the driver was visibly excited and revved his engine, expressing his enthusiasm for the moment. The cause of the loss of control is unclear. Among the injured was a child, and an ambulance spokesperson reported that one person was in critical condition while another was in a stable but critical state, with the remaining seven individuals in stable condition.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his condolences, stating that he was deeply concerned about the incident in Newcastle. He emphasized that rugby league fosters unity, and the event should have been a source of excitement and pride for the Newcastle fans.