Car Crashes into Crowd in Australia, Injures 10

Ten people, including children, were injured after an 18-year-old driver lost control of a car and crashed into a crowd of rugby league supporters in Newcastle, eastern Australia, on Saturday, police said.

Thousands of fans had gathered in the city to send off the Newcastle Knights as the team prepared to face the Sydney Roosters in Sunday’s grand final.

The celebrations were disrupted when the teenager, who police said had been driving erratically, lost control of the vehicle and hit people in the crowd.

Newcastle Mayor Gavin Morris said the driver had been revving the vehicle and appeared to be caught up in the excitement of the event before losing control and driving into the crowd.

“He was revving the car, he was excited, he was a supporter, he was there for the joy of the moment,” Newcastle Mayor Gavin Morris told national broadcaster ABC.

“Somehow he lost control of the car… and he’s gone into the crowd.”

Two people, a five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man, were in critical condition, while two other children were also injured, police said.

The driver was taken into custody following the crash.

“One person made a decision in a split second that put everyone at risk,” said Jenny Aitchison, the roads minister for the state of New South Wales.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed sympathy for those injured and others affected by what he described as a distressing incident in Newcastle.

He said the weekend was expected to be a celebration for the city’s rugby league community and expressed support for those affected.

“Rugby league brings people together, and this should have been a weekend of excitement and pride for Newcastle fans,” he said. 

Newcastle Knights captain Kalyn Ponga also sent a message of support to the injured, their families and the wider Newcastle community.