Ahead of Newcastle Knights’ first NRL Grand Final appearance in 25 years, thousands of fans lined the streets to farewell the team bus but the event turned into tragedy as a car ploughed into fans.
An 18-year-old man has been arrested after swerving off the road and crashing into a number of fans, with ten left injured – two of whom are reported to be in a critical condition.
The incident in Wallsend, New South Wales, happened as fans awaited the Newcastle Knights team bus, which had been scheduled to drive down the street and take in the applause as they departed for their first NRL Grand Final in a quarter of a century.
However, the bus was forced to change plans after the crash that caused chaos, with the driver swiftly arrested and the injured taken to hospital.
According to reports in Australia, two of the ten injured are in critical condition – a five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man, whilst another two girls under the age of ten are among those said to be in a stable condition.
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NRL chief releases statement after send-off crash
Footage of the aftermath was quickly shared on social media and the NRL chief Peter V’landys responded by releasing a statement.
“We are deeply saddened by the incident near Wallsend,” Mr V’landys said.
“We’re currently working with police to understand the circumstances.
“Our thoughts are very much with those injured and anyone impacted by these events, not to mention the entire Knights community who have come together in jubilation to support their team.”
Newcastle Knights’ club CEO, Peter Parr, also commented via a statement on the club’s website, stating: “Our thoughts and prayers are first and foremost with everyone who has been injured, their families and loved ones, and everyone who witnessed what occurred this morning
“What was meant to be a special morning for our community, thousands of Novocastrians coming together to farewell our team and show their support ahead of the Grand Final, has understandably turned into a distressing morning.”
Confirmation of the driver’s arrest also came from New South Wales Police’s assistant commissioner, David Waddell, who said: “The male has been arrested. We have taken that male for mandatory drug and alcohol testing. He has now been taken to the police station where he will be dealt with, and likely charged later today.”
He also allayed any fears that it was a terrorist incident, adding: “There is no concerns other than this being a tragic incident where a young person has done the wrong thing and driven irresponsibly, driven erratically, and obviously lost control of the vehicle into the crowd. But there’s no, no suggestion at all that it’s targeted or any ill motive.”
Newcastle Knights will play Sydney Roosters in Sunday morning’s NRL Grand Final.
Crowds starting to depart at Wallsend where police are preparing for a rescue helicopter to land on the touch football fields. Team bus must have been diverted via another route. @newcastleherald pic.twitter.com/tfm9joBqtn
— Max McKinney (@MaxMckinney) October 3, 2026
