SYDNEY, October 03, 2026 (DAILYNWZ) — Nine people were injured after a car struck a crowd in Newcastle, north of Sydney, on Saturday, with two taken to hospital in critical condition, authorities said.
The driver was arrested at the scene in Wallsend, a suburb of Newcastle about 110 kilometers (68 miles) north of Sydney, after the vehicle plowed into people gathered along local streets.
The incident occurred as fans lined the streets to farewell the Newcastle Knights rugby league team before its National Rugby League grand final against its Sydney-based opponent on Sunday.
A New South Wales Ambulance spokesperson said two of the nine injured people were taken to hospital in critical condition. Authorities did not provide further details on the condition of the other seven.
Newcastle Mayor Gavin Morris said the driver appeared to have lost control of the vehicle. In televised remarks, Morris said, “It appears that he was revving the car in some form.”
The circumstances surrounding the crash were still being investigated. Police said initial indications suggested the incident was not terrorism-related.
The crash occurred in a busy public setting as supporters gathered to see off the Newcastle Knights ahead of their appearance in the country’s biggest rugby league match of the season.