A car has crashed into a crowd of people waving goodbye to Newcastle Knights players as they head to Sydney for the NRL grand final.
Emergency services were called to Newcastle Link Rd in Wallsend after receiving reports of a car crashing into pedestrians about 9.30am on Saturday.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Shocking footage of horrific Newcastle crash
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Ten people have been rushed to John Hunter Hospital with a range of injuries, police said.
Among them are a five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man who are fighting for life in critical conditions.
The other eight people, aged between 2 and 63, are in stable conditions.
Footage taken by a passenger of a passing car appears to show the car driving through a roundabout and losing control.
Another video taken by a bystander appears to show the car skid on the wet road.
One of the passengers in the car can be seen holding the handle above the door as the convertible drives out of frame.
The footage captures others screaming soon after.
Ten people have been rushed to hospital as a car has crashed into Newcastle knights fans seeing off the team before the grand final. Credit: 7NEWS Police have confirmed the alleged driver of the car, an 18-year-old man on a provisional license, was arrested in the scene.
He was taken to hospital for mandatory testing and charges have not been laid.
“Police have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with initial inquiries indicating it is not believed to be terror related,” police said.
Local MP Dan Repacholi took to social media to echo “reports of a car doing a burn out and lost control”. 7NEWS.com.au has been unable to verify those reports.
Images from the scene show hundreds of people lining the street to cheer on their team. Instead, they became witnesses to the incident.
It is a horrible situation and has immediately cast a pall over Newcastle’s extraordinary 2026 season.
The city has been in the grip of finals fever, with the Knights, last year’s wooden spooners, making it all the way to the decider this year under new coach Justin Holbrook.
The Knights last won a premiership 25 years ago in 2001. Since then there’s been nothing but heartache for the club’s loyal, long-suffering fans … and five wooden spoons.
Two of those injured are in critical conditions, one of which is stable. Credit: 7NEWS Knights star Kalyn Ponga shared words of support for those affected by the crash. Credit: AAP Knights star Kalyn Ponga shared a post to Instagram later that morning, saying: “Our hearts are with everyone affected in Wallsend this morning”.
“We’re thinking of you, your families and everyone in our Newcastle community,” he wrote.
“Sending our love and support.”
Teammate Dane Gagai also echoed the sentiment in a post to social media.
“Our hearts go out to the families impacted by this situation,” he said.
“Thoughts and prayers are with you.”
The team’s planned route had to be altered because of the road closure, meaning hundreds of fans missed out on showing their support.
“Members of the public are asked to safely disperse from the area and keep roadways clear to assist emergency services and traffic management efforts,” police said.
“Police thank the community for their patience, cooperation and assistance.”
Premier describes crash as ‘heartbreaking’ NSW Premier Chris Minns said it is “heartbreaking to see fans who were sending off their grand final team involved in such a terrible incident”.
Three helicopters were among the numerous ambulance crews sent to the scene after the crash. Credit: 7NEWS “My thoughts are with the families and friends of loved ones who have been involved or injured in the crash,” Minns said in a statement.
“I also want to thank emergency services including police and ambulance who are responding to this tragedy.
“We’ve seen how this grand final has brought Newcastle together and I hope the whole community remains united as we continue to respond.”
He urged fans and families driving to Sydney for the grand final to “drive safely and take caution on roads”.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had spoken with Minns about the crash.
“My thoughts are with everyone injured or involved in the horrible incident this morning in Newcastle,” Albanese said in a statement.
“I want to acknowledge and thank emergency services and police for responding so quickly, and their ongoing work in treating the injured.
“Rugby league brings people together and this should have been a weekend of excitement and pride for Newcastle fans.”