Car drives into crowd at Newcastle Knights farewell; several injured, driver arrested
A car drove into a crowd of Newcastle Knights supporters farewelling the team in Newcastle, Australia, injuring several people — some critically — and the driver was arrested. Police say initial indications suggest it was not terrorism-related.
A car drove into a crowd in the Australian city of Newcastle on Saturday, injuring several people, police said. The driver was arrested at the scene.
Thousands of people had lined the city’s streets to farewell the Newcastle Knights rugby league team, which is due to compete in the National Rugby League grand final in Sydney on Sunday, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported.
Newcastle Mayor Gavin Morris said in televised remarks that multiple people, including children, were critically injured.
Authorities could not confirm how many people had been injured, a police spokesperson said, adding that initial indications suggested the incident was not terrorism-related.
The crash happened at about 9.30am local time at the Newcastle Link Road and Transfield Drive roundabout near the suburb of Wallsend, according to New Zealand’s 1News. Police closed Newcastle Link Road in both directions while inquiries continue.
The grand-final procession was diverted along a different route, and the team bus has since left Newcastle, police said.
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