Ten Injured As Car Strikes Rugby Crowd in Newcastle
Ten people, including multiple children and two individuals in critical condition, were injured Saturday when a car struck a crowd of thousands gathered in Newcastle, Australia, nos.nl reported. The driver, an 18-year-old man, was arrested at the scene by local police.
The incident occurred in Newcastle, located about 110 kilometers north of Sydney, as crowds lined the streets to cheer on the local Newcastle Knights rugby team ahead of Sunday’s National Rugby League grand final in Sydney, according to reporting by the Australian broadcaster ABC. Emergency services transported all injured individuals to the hospital, where a 5-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man were admitted in critical condition. Eight other people, including two additional girls aged 2 and 5, sustained injuries described as stable.
Police Arrest 18-Year-Old Driver After Crash
Police arrested the 18-year-old driver immediately following the collision, according to accounts from nos.nl. Footage from the scene published by the Australian news medium ABC News showed onlookers shouting at the driver as officers forced him into a police vehicle. A police spokesperson told Reuters that preliminary findings indicate the crash did not involve a terrorism motive.
Local leaders at the scene provided initial context on the mechanics of the collision. Newcastle Mayor Gavin Morris stated in a televised address that the driver appeared to lose control of the vehicle after revving the engine to high RPMs. Similarly, local Member of Parliament Dan Repacholi wrote on Facebook, as cited by nos.nl, that the vehicle was performing a “burnout”—a maneuver where a driver applies the gas and brake pedals simultaneously to spin the rear wheels—when the operator lost control of the steering.
Rugby Grand Final Celebrations Disrupted
The collision disrupted public celebrations for the Newcastle Knights, who were preparing to travel to Sydney for the sport’s national championship match. Thousands of supporters had gathered along the city thoroughfares to send off the team. Authorities have not yet released the full identity of the driver or detailed formal charges as the investigation by local law enforcement continues.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Newcastle Incident
What are the conditions of the injured victims?
Ten people were hospitalized following the crash, with a 5-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man listed in critical condition. Eight other victims, including two girls aged 2 and 5, were listed in stable condition, according to local police reports cited by nos.nl.
Where did the incident take place?
The collision happened in the Australian city of Newcastle, situated roughly 110 kilometers north of Sydney, along streets where crowds had gathered to support the Newcastle Knights rugby team.
What caused the vehicle to strike the crowd?
According to statements from local MP Dan Repacholi cited by nos.nl and Mayor Gavin Morris, the 18-year-old driver appeared to lose control while attempting a vehicle maneuver known as a burnout along the parade route.