A driver lost control of a vehicle in Newcastle, Australia, on Saturday, injuring nine people who were gathered in the streets to bid farewell to the Newcastle Knights rugby team. The incident occurred in the suburb of Wallsend, located approximately 110 kilometers north of Sydney, as fans prepared for the team’s participation in the National Rugby League Grand Final scheduled for Sunday.
Authorities reported that two of the injured individuals were transported to the hospital in critical condition, according to a spokesperson from the New South Wales Ambulance Service. The driver was arrested at the scene following the incident.
Newcastle Mayor Gavin Morris stated that it appears the driver lost control of the vehicle while striking the crowd. Initial police investigations suggest that the incident is not linked to terrorism.
