Newcastle, Australia: Several people were injured after a car struck a crowd of Newcastle Knights rugby league supporters in Wallsend, near Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia, on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Police arrested the driver at the scene as emergency services rushed to help the injured. The incident also forced organisers to divert the Newcastle Knights’ planned team send-off procession. Source: NSW Police
Car Hits Crowd During Newcastle Knights Team Send-Off
The incident occurred at approximately 9:30 am local time on Newcastle Link Road near the Transfield Drive roundabout in Wallsend.
Hundreds of supporters had gathered along the route to cheer on the Newcastle Knights as the team prepared to travel to Sydney for the National Rugby League (NRL) Grand Final.
According to New South Wales Police, emergency services received reports that a vehicle had struck multiple people in the crowd. Police officers and ambulance crews quickly responded to the scene.
The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation.
Several People Injured as Emergency Teams Respond
The crash triggered a major emergency response, with multiple ambulances and rescue helicopters deployed to assist the injured.
Initial reports from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) confirmed that nine people had been injured. Later reports from other media outlets put the number at 10, with two people reportedly in critical condition.
Those critically injured were reported to include a five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man. Other injured people included children and adults.
The injured were treated by emergency personnel, with patients taken to hospital for further medical care. The full circumstances and final injury count may change as authorities release additional information.
Driver Arrested at the Scene
New South Wales Police confirmed that the driver was arrested at the scene following the collision.
Officers from the Newcastle City Police District attended alongside Traffic and Highway Patrol Command officers and paramedics from NSW Ambulance.
Police have not yet publicly established all the circumstances that led to the crash. The investigation is continuing, and further details about potential charges or the driver’s identity should be treated as unconfirmed unless officially announced.
Newcastle Knights’ Grand Final Procession Diverted
The incident disrupted the planned farewell procession for the Newcastle Knights, whose supporters had gathered to see the team off before its Grand Final appearance in Sydney.
Following the crash, the team’s bus was diverted onto an alternative route to allow emergency services to work safely at the scene.
The club acknowledged the disruption and apologised to supporters who had been waiting along the original route but missed the opportunity to see the players.
The road was closed in both directions while emergency crews attended to victims and police conducted their initial inquiries.
Police Appeal to the Public
Authorities asked members of the public to leave the affected area safely and keep roads clear for emergency vehicles and traffic management personnel.
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers in New South Wales on 1800 333 000 or submit information through the official NSW Crime Stoppers website.
Investigation Underway
The incident has cast a shadow over what was intended to be a celebratory occasion for Newcastle Knights supporters ahead of the NRL Grand Final.
Police are continuing to investigate how the vehicle struck the crowd. Further official updates are expected as investigators establish the sequence of events and assess the circumstances surrounding the collision.
This is a developing story. Details, including the number of injured people and their medical conditions, may be updated as more information becomes available.
