Source : Perth Now news
A car has ploughed into a crowd of Newcastle Knights fans, with multiple people injured after a supporter reportedly lost control while doing a burnout.
Paramedics and police rushed to the scene around 9.30am Saturday after the car struck spectators gathered to farewell their team.
Labor MP Daniel Repacholi took to social media to confirm there was an incident as fans gathered in support.
“Reports of a car doing a burnout and lost control hitting dozens of people. Lots of people including children have been seriously injured,” he said on social media.
NSW Ambulance has confirmed several casualties. Ten ambulances and three rescue helicopters are now treating victims at the scene.
In a statement NSW Police confirmed Newcastle City Police District are on scene, assisted by Traffic and Highway Patrol Command officers and NSW Ambulance paramedics.
Several people have been injured and are currently receiving treatment at the scene, including children.
Authorities have closed the Newcastle Link Road is closed in both directions between Lake Road and Minmi Road at Wallsend. Motorists are advised to avoid the area.
NSW Police said the driver was arrested at the scene.
It has also been confirmed that patients are being transported to John Hunter hospital.
It’s unclear, though, how many people are involved due to paramedics currently treating people and also preparing people for transport on the ground.
Thousands of fans had turned out to send off the Knights when the crash occurred.
NSW premier Chris Minns issued a statement saying his thoughts are with the victims.
“It is heartbreaking to see fans who were sending off their grand final team involved in such a terrible incident,” he said.
“Thoughts are with the families and friends of the loved ones who have been involved or injured in the crash.”
In a statement, Newcastle Knights said because of the incident, the team bus heading to Sydney for the grand final against the Sydney Roosters had been diverted.
“We apologise to anyone who was waiting and missed the boys, but public safety is our priority,” the announcement said.
Local MP Sonia Hornery said she had become aware of an incident involving a vehicle colliding with pedestrians while Knights fans were cheering on the team coach.
Newcastle’s mayor Gavin Morris said it was an absolute shock after a magical week when fans came together to support their club.
“Our thoughts first of all go to the families of those that are injured,” he told ABC.
“We believe that a number of them are critical and including children.”
Mr Morris said there was a quick response from locals and those impacted have been taken to hospital.
“They were able to get onto the phone, you know, straight away and the choppers were deployed very, very quickly,” he said.
“So that is the good news part of the story that those injured were evaced straight to the John Hunter.”
Mr Morris said the driver was an “excited” fan, who seemed to have lost control of the car — “going sideways” into the crowd.
Prior to the incident occurring the Newcastle Knights urged fans to come out and cheer on their team from 9.30am.
“Fans are encouraged to line the route, wave their flags and cheer the team on as the bus makes its way out of town,” the club wrote.
The bus will turn right onto Lambton Road, then right onto Turton Road, passing McDonald Jones Stadium, before turning left onto Griffiths Road.
It will continue along Newcastle Road before heading towards the M1 via Wallsend.
More to come
