Car crashes into crowd awaiting Knights team bus in Newcastle, nine injured

At least nine people have been injured, two critically, after a car crashed into a crowd of people in Newcastle waiting to farewell the Knights team bus before the NRL grand final.

New South Wales police said that emergency services were called to Newcastle Link Road at the Transfield Drive roundabout in Wallsend about 9.30am on Saturday after reports a vehicle struck multiple people in a crowd.

The driver was arrested at the scene.

“Several people have been injured and are currently receiving treatment at the scene,” police said.

Gavin Morris, the mayor of Newcastle, told the ABC that nine people had been injured after the driver, who he said was a Knights fan, lost control while revving his car shortly before the team arrived.

“I’ve spoken to the authorities, a number of which, and look, first of all, it is under investigation, and the young driver is now with police, so it appears that he was revving the car in some form. He was excited. He was a supporter. He was, you know, a fan,” Morris said.

“It appears that he’s lost control of the car, and he’s gone into the crowd.

“And I believe about nine were injured, which sadly also included children [after] … he’s gone sideways into the crowd.”

Footage posted on social media appeared to show the car being driven quickly around a roundabout shortly before the crash.

Other images showed it had careened on to a footpath soon afterwards.

A witness to the incident, Dylan Prior told ABC News that the car was “revving a bit” before it ran into a group of people.

“I saw some young kids go flying, and people running to help the victims,” he said.

“Everyone was yelling and hysterical, yelling at the driver.

“They were screaming for help.”

The Newcastle Link Road was closed in both directions, leading to the diversion of the Knights grand final procession.

The club confirmed in an Instagram post that it had changed its route, apologising to fans who may have missed farewelling the team but saying “public safety is our priority”.

Police appealed for fans to leave the area.

“Police acknowledge many loyal supporters may have missed the opportunity to see the team and show their support.

“Members of the public are asked to safely disperse from the area and keep roadways clear to assist emergency services and traffic management efforts.

“Police thank the community for their patience, cooperation and assistance.”

The NSW premier, Chris Minns, said his thoughts were with the families and friends of those injured.

“It’s heartbreaking to see fans who were sending off their grand final team involved in such a terrible incident,” he said.

“We’ve seen how this grand final has brought Newcastle together, and I hope the whole community remains united as we continue to respond.”

The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, said he had spoken with Minns and offered the federal government’s support.

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

“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, and this should have been a weekend of excitement and pride for Newcastle fans.”

NSW ambulance service has also been contacted for comment.