A vehicle plowed into a crowd of rugby league supporters in Newcastle, eastern Australia, on Saturday after the driver lost control, injuring at least 10 people, authorities said.
Several children were among the injured.
Two victims were critically injured, including a 5-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man, New South Wales officials said.
What Happened in the Crash?
The incident occurred in Newcastle’s Wallsend suburb, about 110 kilometers (68 miles) north of Sydney.
Fans had gathered on the streets to see the Newcastle Knights off for the National Rugby League grand final against the Sydney Roosters, scheduled for Sunday in Sydney.
Local reports cited police in identifying the driver as an 18-year-old man, who was arrested and taken to a hospital for mandatory testing.
Driver ‘Lost Control’
Newcastle Mayor Gavin Morris said in televised remarks that the driver was a rugby fan who lost control of his vehicle.
“He was revving the car, he was excited, he was a supporter, he was there for the joy of the moment,” Morris told Australian broadcaster ABC.
“Somehow he lost control of the car … and he’s gone into the crowd.”
Police said they were probing the incident and initial inquiries indicated it was not terrorism-related.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incident as “horrible.”
“Rugby league brings people together, and this should have been a weekend of excitement and pride for Newcastle fans,” he said in a statement on X.
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