A five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man are in a critical condition and eight others have been injured after a car ploughed into a crowd gathered for the Newcastle Knights grand final procession.
The 18-year-old P-plate driver was arrested at the scene shortly after the crash on Newcastle Link Road, at Wallsend in Newcastle’s west, about 9:30am.
NSW Police said he was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
Crowds shouted at the man as he was bundled into a police car and driven away from the scene.
A witness said the car revved before the crash, in wet conditions. (ABC News)
A two-year-old girl and a five-year-old girl were among the 10 injured taken to John Hunter Hospital.
NSW Ambulance said one person was in a critical condition, another was critical but stable, while seven others were in a stable condition and being treated for their injuries.
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NSW Police said Newcastle Link Road was closed in both directions while investigations continued.
“Members of the public are asked to safely disperse from the area and keep roadways clear to assist emergency services and traffic management efforts,” NSW Police said in a statement.
Multiple people were injured and the driver of the vehicle was arrested at the scene. (ABC News: Caitlin Furlong)
The Knights said the team’s “thoughts are with everyone impacted by the incident, including those at the scene and their families”.
“Due to a major incident, the team bus has been diverted from the planned route,” the in a social media post.
“We apologise to anybody who was waiting and missed the boys, but public safety is our priority.”
Knights supporters gathered on an oval where emergency services were transporting patients. (ABC News: Piper Duffy)
An investigation into the incident is underway, with police expected to provide more information later today.
‘Everyone was yelling, screaming for help’
Newcastle Knights fan Dylan Prior was at Wallsend with his two young daughters and his mother, having arrived at 8:30am, with the expectation that the Knights’ team bus would go by around 10am.
He said the mood was upbeat, with “everyone there, cheering and beeping”.
One of several emergency services helicopters arriving on scene nearby at Walllsend. (ABC News: Piper Duffy)
But about 9:30am, he said he was shocked to see the crash unfold.
“A BMW came around the corner, it was revving a bit, and it ran into a group of people,” Mr Prior told the ABC.
“We’ve had a bit of rain here and weather played a part in it.
“I saw some young kids go flying, and people running to help the victims. Everyone was yelling and hysterical, yelling at the driver.
“They were screaming for help.”
Mr Prior said there was only one police officer on site and he quickly joined the effort to help the victims.
“But I wish there had been more police around. This could have been avoided if more police were in sight,” he said.
“The mood is very deflated at the moment. I can’t help but think of the victims.”
‘Thoughts with families and friends of loved ones’Loading…
NSW Premier Chris Minns said the incident was “heartbreaking”.
“It’s heartbreaking to see fans who were sending off their grand final team involved in such a terrible incident,” he said.
“My thoughts are with the families and friends of loved ones who have been involved or injured in the crash.
“I also want to thank emergency services, including police and ambulance, who are responding to this tragedy.
“We’ve seen how this grand final has brought Newcastle together, and I hope the whole community remains united as we continue to respond.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he has reached out to Mr Minns to offer assistance.
He said he focus of the weekend should be on rugby league and should have been a day of “excitement and pride for Newcastle fans”.
“I want to acknowledge and thank emergency services and police for responding so quickly, and their ongoing work in treating the injured.”
In a statement, ARLC executive chairman Peter V’landys said he was deeply saddened by what had taken place.
“We’re currently working with police to understand the circumstances,” the statement said.
“Our thoughts are very much with those injured and anyone impacted by these events, not to mention the entire Knights community who have come together in jubilation to support their team.”