SYDNEY: Ten people, including children, were injured after a car crashed into a crowd of rugby league fans in Newcastle, eastern Australia, on Saturday, police said.
Thousands of supporters had gathered to farewell the Newcastle Knights before their grand final against the Sydney Roosters on Sunday when the vehicle struck the crowd.
Police said the 18-year-old driver had been driving erratically before losing control of the car. He was taken into custody.
Two people, a five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man, were in a critical condition, while two other young children were also injured.
Newcastle Mayor Gavin Morris told national broadcaster ABC that the driver had been revving the car and appeared excited to be part of the celebrations.
“Somehow he lost control of the car… and he’s gone into the crowd,” Morris said.
Jenny Aitchison, the roads minister for New South Wales, said one person’s split-second decision had put others at risk.
My thoughts are with everyone injured or involved in the horrible incident this morning in Newcastle.
I want to acknowledge and thank emergency services and police for responding so quickly, and their ongoing work in treating the injured.
Rugby league brings people together,…
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) October 3, 2026
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his thoughts were with those injured and everyone involved in what he described as a “horrible incident”.
“Rugby league brings people together, and this should have been a weekend of excitement and pride for Newcastle fans,” he wrote on X.
Newcastle Knights captain Kalyn Ponga also expressed support for those affected, writing on Instagram: “We’re thinking of you, your families and everyone in our Newcastle community.”
“Sending our love and support.”
