Car crashes into Newcastle Knights fans at send-off
A car hit about 10 people gathered to farewell the Knights, critically injuring a five-year-old and a 67-year-old.
A vehicle crashed into a crowd of Newcastle Knights fans on Newcastle Link Road at Wallsend around 9.30am as locals lined the streets to send off the team before Sunday's grand final. The driver, an 18-year-old P-plater, was arrested at the scene and taken for drug and alcohol testing.
Police are investigating whether he lost control of the vehicle and do not believe the incident was targeted or terror-related. A five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man remain in critical condition.
Eight others, including a two-year-old child and six adults, are in stable condition. The Knights' team bus was diverted due to the crash.
- 10
- People hit
- 5-year-old girl, 67-year-old man
- Critical condition
- 18, P-plater
- Driver age
Why it mattersA tragedy during a joyful community send-off raises questions about crowd safety at public gatherings and may affect how such events are managed in future.
AustraliaThe incident forced the Knights to delay their departure to Sydney and has shaken a city preparing to celebrate its team's grand final appearance.
Corroborated byperthnow.com.au·theage.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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