Arabic version: إصابة عشرة أشخاص بعد اصطدام سيارة بمشجعي نايتس في وولسيند

According to ABC News, 10 people were injured when a car collided with a crowd of Newcastle Knights supporters in Wallsend at about 9:30am. The supporters had gathered to farewell the team as its bus travelled to Sydney ahead of Sunday’s NRL grand final against the Sydney Roosters.

NSW Police said two people, a five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man, remained in critical condition at John Hunter Hospital. The other eight people were stable: a second five-year-old girl, a two-year-old girl, a 31-year-old woman, a 48-year-old man, a 24-year-old man, a 63-year-old woman, a 25-year-old man and a 57-year-old man. All 10 were treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to hospital.

Police said the driver was an 18-year-old man on P-plates. He was arrested and taken to hospital for mandatory testing. Assistant Commissioner David Waddell said two other people had been in the car and were removed from the scene after the crowd turned on them. He said the driver was at a police station and would likely be charged later in the day.

Police are investigating the circumstances of the crash, with initial inquiries suggesting it was not terror related. Witnesses reported that the driver had been revving the engine and lost control of the vehicle. Waddell said detectives would also investigate any other offences that may have been committed, while noting that people in the crowd had provided first aid and CPR.

The Knights bus was diverted after the incident and later arrived in Sydney. Captain Kalyn Ponga said the team’s hearts were with everyone affected. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the federal government had offered support to the NSW premier, while NRL executive chair Peter V’landys said the organisation was working with police to understand the circumstances.