City of Newcastle Lord Mayor, Gavin Morris, says the local community is heartbroken after an event to farewell the city’s Newcastle Knights NRL team as they head to tomorrow’s grand final instead became an accident scene after a young driver ploughed into the crowd, leaving a five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man in a critical condition and eight others injured.
An 18-year-old P-plate driver was arrested by Police at the scene shortly after the crash on Newcastle Link Road, at Wallsend at around 9.30am. He was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
“What began as a morning of pride and celebration for Novocastrians to support our Newcastle Knights has now been marked by a very serious incident, and as a community, we’re heartbroken,” said Lord Mayor Morris.
“My thoughts are with the people who were hurt, their families and loved ones, as well as those who were there and saw it, many of whom were children and families there to cheer on the team.
“This terrible incident is hard, and it’s okay to feel it.
“In the days and weeks ahead, we as the Newcastle and Hunter community need to come together with heart, soul and empathy.
“We are a strong community and we will support each other.
“Our prayers are with those involved,” his statement ended.
Ten people were injured and were treated on the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before being taken to John Hunter Hospital.
NSW Police have confirmed two people – a five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man – remain in a critical condition.
The other eight people all remain in a stable condition:
- 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
- A 57-year-old man
“Police have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with initial inquiries indicating it is not believed to be terror related,” NSW Police said in a statement.
In a statement, the Newcastle Knights club said they were aware of the crash.
“The Newcastle Knights are aware of the traffic incident that occurred this morning in Wallsend.”
“Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by the incident, including those at the scene and their families.
“As this is a matter for NSW Police, the Club will not be making any further comment at this time.”
