source : the age
We have just received the first video from the scene of the crash, showing a dated and damaged BMW sitting just off the road. The vehicle’s tyres look extremely worn.
There appears to be a child’s white shoe just in front of the car on the pavement.
Until now, much of what has emerged on social media is quite a distance from the site of the incident.
Newcastle Mayor Gavin Morris and federal MP Dan Repacholi both said earlier the incident is believed to have occurred after a driver lost control of their vehicle.
Two people are in critical condition in Newcastle’s John Hunter Hospital after a car crashed into a crowd of Newcastle Knights fans.
NSW Ambulance confirmed that nine people have been treated and transported to hospital after the car crashed into crowds farewelling the Newcastle Knights team bus.
Of the nine, one was transferred in critical condition, one was critical but stable, and the remaining injured were in a stable condition.
The NSW Ambulance media spokesperson said those injured were of varying ages.
Newcastle Mayor Gavin Morris says children are among those injured, and a number of individuals, are believed to be in a critical condition.
“It’s just been a magical week of positivity and support, and we’ve all come together. So it was an absolute shock to hear the news this morning, and yeah, the information has been coming through, you know, over the last 30, 40 minutes now, so it’s really upsetting,” Morris told ABC television just a short time ago.
“Our thoughts, first of all, go to the families of those that are injured. We believe that a number of them are critical, and including children,” he said.
Morris confirmed a statement from federal MP Dan Repacholi that the incident is believed to have occurred after a driver lost control of their vehicle. The driver was arrested at the scene.
Newcastle Mayor Gavin Morris has said nine individuals are believed to be injured after a driver, who was believed to be a fan of the Newcastle Knights, allegedly lost control of their vehicle.
“I’ve spoken to the authorities, a number of which, and look, first of all, it is under investigation, and the young driver is now with police, so it appears that he was revving the car in some form. He was excited. He was a supporter. He was, you know, a fan,” Morris told ABC television this morning.
“He was there for the for the joy of the moment as well. And somehow, yes, he has lost control of the car. And you know, the witnesses are also reporting to police at the moment, so it is under investigation,” Morris said.
“It appears that he’s lost control of the car, and he’s gone into the crowd. And I believe about nine were injured, which sadly also included children. And he’s gone sideways into the the crowd. So that is the information that we have at this point.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns has released a statement about the incident, and is being briefed on the details as they emerge.
“It’s heartbreaking to see fans who were sending off their grand final team involved in such a terrible incident,” Minns said.
“My thoughts are with the families and friends of loved ones who have been involved or injured in the crash. I also want to thank emergency services including police and ambulance who are responding to this tragedy.
“We’ve seen how this grand final has brought the Newcastle together, and I hope the whole community remains united as we continue to respond.”
He urged the “large number” of fans and families travelling to Sydney for the grand final to drive safely.
The Herald’s chief sports reporter Tom Decent was nearby interviewing fans when the incident happened.
Tom says word started coming through that many people had been hit by a car and were severely injured.
“There are thousands and thousands of Knights fans on the street waiting to watch their heroes come through on the team but, but that’s now not happening,” Tom says.
“That excitement has turned to confusion and concern for their fellow fans. It’s chaos here at the moment. Pepole have realised something very serious has happened.”
A helicopter has just landed on a nearby cricket oval.
Good morning.
Multiple people of various ages have been injured after a car crashed into a crowd of football fans who had come out to farewell the Newcastle Knights team bus in Wallsend on Saturday morning.
A major operation is under way after emergency services were called to Newcastle Link Road at the Transfield Drive roundabout following reports a vehicle had struck multiple people about 9.30am.
The extent of their injuries is unknown. The driver was arrested at the scene.
The planned route for the Newcastle Knights bus has been diverted. Police have advised the public to avoid Newcastle Link Road, Wallsend, and to follow the advice of emergency services.
We will bring you live updates as the story develops.
