Ten Injured After Car Ploughs Into Rugby League Fans in Australia

Darwin, October 04: Ten people, including three children, have been injured after a car crashed into a crowd of rugby league fans in Newcastle, eastern Australia.

New South Wales Police said on Saturday that a five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man were seriously injured. The other eight victims were taken to hospital and were reported to be in stable condition.

Police arrested the 18-year-old driver and launched an investigation into the incident. Authorities said they did not believe the crash was terrorism-related.

The crowd had gathered in Newcastle to farewell the local rugby league team, the Newcastle Knights, ahead of their grand final against the Sydney Roosters on Sunday.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Gavin Morris said the driver was a rugby league fan who had apparently lost control of his vehicle. He was taken into custody following the crash.

“He was starting the car, he was excited, he was a supporter, and he was there enjoying the moment,” Morris told national broadcaster ABC.

“Somehow, he lost control of the vehicle and drove into the crowd,” he added.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his sympathy for those affected by the incident.

“My thoughts are with everyone who has been injured or affected by the terrible incident in Newcastle this morning,” Albanese said in a social media post.

“Rugby league brings people together, and this weekend was supposed to be a time of excitement and pride for Newcastle fans.”