Newcastle Knights fans injured as car drives into crowd in Australia

A car struck a crowd of Newcastle Knights rugby fans in Newcastle, Australia, on Saturday morning, injuring 10 people, including two in critical condition, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred as supporters gathered along Newcastle Link Road to cheer on the team ahead of their National Rugby League (NRL) grand final match against an unspecified opponent on Sunday, October 4.

Details of the crash and casualties

The collision happened around 9:30 am local time, with the driver of the vehicle — a 18-year-old man with a p-plate (learner) license — arrested at the scene. New South Wales Police confirmed the driver was taken to hospital for mandatory testing, while emergency services treated 10 individuals at the location. Two of the injured, a five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man, remained in critical condition, according to police updates. The remaining eight victims included a second five-year-old girl, a two-year-old girl, and individuals aged 24 to 63, all described as stable.

Newcastle mayor Gavin Morris told the Australian Broadcasting Corp that multiple people, including children, were critically injured. However, police later clarified that only the two individuals mentioned above were in critical condition. The incident occurred as fans lined the streets to farewell the Newcastle Knights, a team making its first NRL grand final appearance since 2001. The team’s unexpected resurgence this season, led by England winger Dom Young, had drawn widespread local support.

Emergency response and police investigation

Emergency services scrambled to the scene, with more than 10 ambulances and three air ambulances deployed. Newcastle Link Road was closed in both directions, and police urged residents to avoid the area. NSW Ambulance officials stated that all 10 injured were treated on-site before being transported to John Hunter Hospital. A statement from the force emphasized that initial inquiries suggested the crash was not terrorism-related, though a full investigation is ongoing.

New South Wales MP Sonia Hornery called for caution, stating that emergency services were on site and urging the public to avoid the area. Police have also appealed for information from witnesses, directing them to contact Crime Stoppers. The driver’s vehicle was seized for further examination, though no details about the car’s speed or intent were released.

Context of the rugby league event

The Newcastle Knights’ grand final appearance marked a dramatic turnaround for the team, which finished last in the 2025 season. Their journey to the final, fueled by strong performances from players like Dom Young, had galvanized the city. Fans gathered along Newcastle Link Road to wave off the team’s bus as it departed for Sydney, unaware of the tragedy that would unfold moments later.

The match on Sunday, October 4, will determine the NRL premiership winner, the sport’s highest honor. The Knights’ presence in the final has been celebrated as a symbol of resilience, but the crash has cast a shadow over the city’s preparations. Local media reported that the team’s management had not yet issued a public statement as of Saturday evening.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash, with police urging witnesses to come forward. The incident has left the Newcastle community in shock, as the city prepares for the grand final amid an ongoing search for answers.