A celebratory morning in Newcastle turned into a scene of carnage on Saturday when a car crashed into a crowd of loyal supporters who had gathered to cheer on the Newcastle Knights ahead of their journey to the NRL grand final.
Emergency services were scrambled to Newcastle Link Rd in Wallsend at approximately 9.30am following reports that a vehicle had struck a large group of pedestrians. The victims were part of a throng of hundreds who had lined the streets to send off the team as they departed for Sydney for the championship decider.
Paramedics confirmed that nine people were rushed to John Hunter Hospital with varying injuries. Authorities have stated that two individuals remain in a critical condition, though one has since been stabilized. The remaining seven victims are currently in a stable condition.
Police confirmed that the driver of the vehicle was arrested at the scene. As of Saturday afternoon, no charges had been laid, and the investigation into the circumstances of the collision remains ongoing.
While official details regarding the cause of the crash are yet to be confirmed, local MP Dan Repacholi took to social media to reference reports of a car performing a burnout before the driver lost control. These reports have not yet been verified by authorities.
The incident has cast a dark shadow over what has been a dream season for the Knights. After enduring a difficult period as last year’s wooden spooners, the team’s resurgence under coach Justin Holbrook had ignited city-wide “finals fever,” with fans hopeful for the club’s first premiership title since 2001.
NSW Premier Chris Minns addressed the tragedy, describing the events as “heartbreaking.”
“My thoughts are with the families and friends of loved ones who have been involved or injured in the crash,” the Premier said in a statement. “We’ve seen how this grand final has brought Newcastle together and I hope the whole community remains united as we continue to respond.”
Mr. Minns also praised the rapid response of emergency services, including the ambulance crews and police officers who managed the chaotic scene. He took the opportunity to urge fans traveling to Sydney for the weekend’s festivities to exercise extreme caution on the roads.
Police have requested that members of the public safely disperse from the Wallsend area to allow traffic management and emergency personnel to clear the site.
“Police acknowledge many loyal supporters may have missed the opportunity to see the team and show their support,” a police spokesperson said. “We thank the community for their patience, cooperation and assistance.”
As the Newcastle community processes the shock of the morning, the focus remains on the recovery of those injured in the incident.
More to come.
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