A car struck Newcastle Knights supporters in Wallsend on Saturday morning, October 3, injuring 10 people who had gathered to farewell the team before the NRL grand final in Sydney. The crowd stood on Newcastle Link Road near the Transfield Drive roundabout, where the Knights bus was expected at about 9:30 a.m.
Two people were first reported in critical condition: a five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man. The Guardian later reported that the girl remained critical but stable in an induced coma, while the man’s condition had improved to serious but stable. The other eight were initially described as stable. Paramedics treated all 10 at the scene, then took them to John Hunter Hospital.
The crash and emergency response
Emergency services arrived at about 9:30 a.m. after reports that a vehicle had hit multiple people at the roundabout. ABC first reported that three helicopters and 15 ambulances attended. In a later update citing NSW Ambulance, ABC said crews deployed four helicopters and 15 ambulances.
Authorities closed Newcastle Link Road in both directions, and the Knights bus took a different route. The club said it changed its route and apologized to supporters who missed the farewell, adding that “public safety is our priority.” Police asked the public to leave and keep roadways clear. They thanked the community for its patience, cooperation and assistance.
ABC identified the other injured people as a second five-year-old girl, a two-year-old girl, a 31-year-old woman, a 48-year-old man, a 24-year-old man, a 63-year-old woman, a 25-year-old man and a 57-year-old man. By Saturday night, The Guardian reported, five other patients remained stable and three had been discharged.
Police investigation
Police arrested the driver, an 18-year-old man on P-plates, at the scene. ABC reported that officers took him to hospital for mandatory testing. The Guardian said he faced nine charges, including dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, negligent driving and causing bodily harm by misconduct. He was refused bail ahead of a court appearance on Sunday.
Police said initial inquiries indicated they didn’t believe the crash was terror-related. The Guardian reported that police did not believe it was deliberate, but declined to comment on reports the car had been driven erratically. “I’ll let the investigators from the crash investigation unit deal with that,” Assistant Commissioner Dave Waddell told reporters.
ABC’s live coverage included witnesses’ accounts that the driver had been revving the engine and lost control. Witness Dylan Prior told ABC: “I saw some young kids go flying, and people running to help the victims.” He said people were “yelling at the driver” and “screaming for help.” The Guardian reported that footage posted on social media appeared to show a car being driven quickly around a roundabout shortly before the crash.
Supporters and officials respond
Thousands of supporters had gathered in Wallsend, ABC reported. Witness Carolyn Clark described packed streets and touch football fields, with fans waiting near a service station to see the bus at traffic lights. Decorated cars and trucks, flags and honking accompanied the team’s send-off. Clark said the mood changed at about 9:30 a.m., when emergency vehicles arrived and people heard the bus would be diverted.
Police Minister Yasmin Catley called the incident “an absolute tragedy — a tragedy that needn’t have happened.” Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said it could have been worse, given the number of people gathered. Assistant Commissioner David Waddell said police expected to lay charges that afternoon and alleged the car had been driven “erratically” before it entered the crowd. He praised people who provided first aid.
Multiple fundraisers launched Saturday afternoon for injured fans, The Guardian reported. Fundraising organiser Ashleigh Gibbs said the five-year-old girl had undergone multiple operations. A fundraising page said the child’s mother was also seriously injured and would need multiple operations and a long recovery.
The Knights were travelling to Sydney for Sunday’s grand final against the Roosters. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had spoken with NSW Premier Chris Minns and offered federal government support. “Rugby league brings people together, and this should have been a weekend of excitement and pride for Newcastle fans,” he said.