A celebratory morning in Newcastle turned into a scene of tragedy today after a car ploughed into a crowd of fans gathered for the Newcastle Knights grand final procession.
Emergency services were scrambled to the Newcastle Link Road at Wallsend, in the city’s west, at approximately 9:30 am following reports that a vehicle had struck bystanders waiting to cheer on the NRL team.
NSW Ambulance confirmed that nine people were injured in the incident. Two victims remain in critical condition, with one described as critical but stable. The remaining seven patients are reported to be in a stable condition. All nine injured individuals have been transported to the John Hunter Hospital for urgent treatment.
NSW Police confirmed that the driver of the vehicle was arrested at the scene shortly after the collision occurred. A significant police presence remains on-site as investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Newcastle Link Road has been closed in both directions, and police have urged members of the public to safely disperse and keep local roads clear to facilitate ongoing emergency operations.
The incident forced an abrupt end to the planned festivities for the Newcastle Knights. In a statement posted to social media, the club announced that their team bus had been diverted from the scheduled route due to the “major incident.”
“We apologise to anybody who was waiting and missed the boys, but public safety is our priority,” the club said, expressing its concern for those caught up in the disaster.
The tragedy has drawn responses from the state’s highest office, with NSW Premier Chris Minns describing the event as “heartbreaking.”
“It’s heartbreaking to see fans who were sending off their grand final team involved in such a terrible incident,” Mr. Minns 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.”
The Premier emphasized the sense of community spirit that had defined the lead-up to the grand final, adding, “We’ve seen how this grand final has brought Newcastle together, and I hope the whole community remains united as we continue to respond.”
As investigations into the cause of the crash continue, the focus remains on the recovery of the injured and the support of the local community. Aerial footage from the scene showed a heavy emergency response, with medical helicopters landing nearby to assist in the rapid transport of the victims. Authorities have requested that the public stay away from the area while the site remains an active crime scene.
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