Newcastle Knights Fan Send-Off Turns to Tragedy as Car Crashes into Crowd
A car crashed into a crowd of Newcastle Knights fans in Wallsend, injuring ten people, as they gathered to send off the team to the NRL grand final. The driver, an 18-year-old P-plater, was arrested at the scene.
A devastating incident occurred in Wallsend this morning when a car crashed into a crowd of Newcastle Knights fans gathered to send off the team to the NRL grand final, injuring ten people.
Emergency services responded swiftly, with three helicopters and 15 ambulances rushing to the scene at the Transfield Drive roundabout about 9:30am.
What happened?
The car, driven by an 18-year-old P-plater, was allegedly driven erratically before crashing into the crowd. Police have arrested the driver at the scene and expect to lay charges.
The incident was not targeted, and thousands of people were lining the streets when the car struck members of the crowd. The crowd attempted to stop the driver and two passengers, leading to a fracas at the scene.
Who was injured?
Ten people were taken to John Hunter Hospital, with two – a five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man – in a critical condition. The other eight, including another five-year-old girl, a two-year-old girl, and a 63-year-old woman, were treated for injuries and remain in a stable condition.
Response from authorities and community leaders
Police Minister Yasmin Catley attended the scene, describing the incident as an