Ten people were injured when a vehicle struck a crowd at a Newcastle Knights send-off on Oct. 3; two victims — a five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man — are in critical condition. An 18-year-old newly licensed driver was arrested and taken for mandatory drug and alcohol testing; two passengers were in the vehicle. Witnesses said the driver appeared to lose control, and police said the incident appears not to be terror-related. Investigations are ongoing.
Car Crashes Into Crowd at Newcastle Rugby Send-Off — 10 Injured, Two in Critical Condition
Emergency services at the scene of a car crash that injured 10 people in AustraliaCredit: ABC News Australia
At least 10 people were injured when a car struck a crowd during a send-off for the Newcastle Knights on Saturday, Oct. 3, authorities said. The incident occurred at about 9:30 a.m. local time at the Transfield Drive roundabout near the Wallsend suburb of Newcastle, New South Wales.
Incident Details
Emergency services responded after reports that "a vehicle had struck multiple people in a crowd." NSW Ambulance paramedics treated victims at the scene before transferring them to John Hunter Hospital. Police described the event as a major incident and confirmed the investigation is ongoing.
Injuries and Condition
Ten people were hurt in the collision. Two victims — a five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man — remain in critical condition. The other eight were reported stable. Authorities said the injured include two girls (ages 2 and 5), two women (ages 31 and 63) and four men (ages 24 to 57).
Police vehicle, Sydney, Australia (stock image)Credit: Getty
Arrest And Investigation
An 18-year-old newly licensed male driver was arrested at the scene. He was taken to hospital for mandatory drug and alcohol testing, and two passengers who had been in the vehicle were also identified by police. Witnesses told media the driver appeared to lose control before the vehicle struck bystanders. NSW Police said the incident appears "not to be terror-related" as detectives continue their inquiries.
"Ten people were injured and were treated on the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before being taken to John Hunter Hospital," NSW Police said in a statement.
Community Response
The Newcastle Knights diverted their team bus from the planned route and apologized to fans who missed the send-off, saying public safety was their priority. Knights CEO Peter Parr offered condolences to those injured, their families and witnesses, and thanked first responders and the local community for their support.
Among the injured is Chris Clancy, who posted a photo from a hospital bed saying he suffered a broken left collarbone and a possible broken foot. "I thought I was going to die, the car was coming right at me," he told the Sydney Morning Herald.
Local and national outlets, including PEOPLE, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Nine News and the Sydney Morning Herald, covered the incident. NSW Police have been contacted for further comment as investigations continue.
Help us improve.
