Newcastle Knights fans have been hit by a car — here's what we know
Ten people have been injured — two of them critically — by a car that ploughed into a crowd gathered for the Newcastle Knights grand final procession. Here's what we know.
Newcastle Knights supporters were injured when a car crashed into a crowd gathered to bid farewell to the grand final-bound team. Emergency services responded swiftly, dispatching three helicopters and 15 ambulances to the scene. Several individuals were taken to John Hunter Hospital with varying levels of severity. The driver of the vehicle, an 18-year-old P-plater, has been apprehended by police.
The Knights' team bus was rerouted away from the crowd following the incident. Some videos captured the moment the driver was arrested, eliciting anger from the onlookers. According to Police Minister Yasmin Catley, 10 people were hospitalized, including a five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man in critical condition, while the remaining eight sustained injuries.
Police are confident the driver will face charges after undergoing drug and alcohol testing. Assistant Commissioner David Waddell indicated that the collision was not targeted and emphasized the crowd's efforts to assist the injured. The Newcastle Knights expressed solidarity with the injured and their families, pledging to support both the injured and the team.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Gavin Morris and Premier Chris Minns also addressed the tragedy, vowing to come together for the affected individuals and the club.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.