10 Injured as Car Ploughs Into Rugby Fans in Newcastle, Australia

Ten people, including several children, have been injured after a car crashed into a crowd gathered to support the Newcastle Knights ahead of their grand final in Australia.

The incident occurred on Saturday in Newcastle, in eastern Australia, where thousands of rugby league supporters had gathered to farewell the local team before their Sunday grand final against the Sydney Roosters.

According to police, an 18-year-old rugby fan was “driving erratically” before losing control of his vehicle and crashing into the crowd.

Newcastle Mayor Gavin Morris said the driver appeared to have been caught up in the excitement of the occasion.

“He was revving the car, he was excited, he was a supporter, he was there for the joy of the moment,” Morris told ABC.

“Somehow he lost control of the car… and he’s gone into the crowd.”

Two victims — a five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man — were in critical condition, while two other young children were also among those injured, police said.

The driver was taken into custody after the incident.

New South Wales Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said the crash resulted from a split-second decision that endangered people at the gathering.

“One person made a decision in a split second that put everyone at risk,” she said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also reacted to the incident, expressing sympathy for those injured and others affected.

“My thoughts are with everyone injured or involved in the horrible incident this morning in Newcastle,” Albanese said.

“Rugby league brings people together, and this should have been a weekend of excitement and pride for Newcastle fans,” he wrote on X.

Knights captain Kalyn Ponga expressed solidarity with the victims and their families.

“We’re thinking of you, your families and everyone in our Newcastle community,” Ponga said in an Instagram post.

“Sending our love and support.”

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