Ten injured after car crashes into rugby supporters in Australia
A car drove into a crowd of rugby league supporters in Newcastle, Australia, injuring 10 people, including three children. New South Wales police arrested an 18-year-old man at the scene and said the crash is not being treated as a terrorism incident.
Why It Matters
The incident injured multiple people ahead of a major sporting event and prompted a criminal investigation and public statements from local and national officials. It raises immediate public-safety concerns around large gatherings and vehicle access during celebratory events.
Key Facts
- Location: Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Number injured: 10 people
- Children injured: Three children; includes a five-year-old girl
- Critical condition: A five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man
- Other injured: Eight people in stable condition in hospital
A vehicle struck a group of rugby league supporters in Newcastle on Saturday, leaving 10 people wounded, authorities said. New South Wales police reported that among those hurt were three children; a five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man were described as critically ill while the remaining eight casualties were in stable condition at hospitals.
Police arrested the driver at the scene. The person taken into custody is an 18-year-old who, according to local officials, was a rugby league fan present with the crowd. Authorities stated they do not believe the crash was linked to terrorism and have opened an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the vehicle entering the crowd.
Local leaders and national figures responded after the incident. Newcastle’s Lord Mayor said the driver had been revving the car in excitement before losing control and colliding with spectators who had gathered to see off the Newcastle Knights before their grand final against the Sydney Roosters. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed sympathy for those affected and noted the event should have been a celebratory occasion for the city.
Police provided the initial casualty and arrest details while the probe continues. No further charges or motives have been publicly confirmed as investigators work to establish the facts surrounding the crash.
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