World News
VEHICLE STRIKES CROWD DURING NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS FAREWELL EVENT
Several people have been injured after a vehicle struck a crowd gathered in Newcastle, Australia, to farewell the Newcastle Knights team ahead of the ...
By Wavers Multimedia
Vehicle strikes crowd during Newcastle Knights farewell event in Newcastle, Australia.
The incident happened at about 9:30am on Saturday at the Newcastle Link Road and Transfield Drive roundabout in Wallsend, where supporters had gathered along the route of the team's departure.
DRIVER ARRESTED AT SCENE
New South Wales police said emergency services responded after reports that a vehicle had struck multiple people in the crowd.
Several people were receiving treatment at the scene, while the driver was arrested at the location.
Newcastle Link Road was closed in both directions as emergency services attended the incident and inquiries continued.
KNIGHTS PROCESSION DIVERTED
The incident disrupted the planned route of the Newcastle Knights' farewell procession.
The team bus was diverted through an alternative route and subsequently left Newcastle.
The Knights apologised to supporters who may have missed the opportunity to see the team, saying public safety was the priority.
Police also urged members of the public to leave the area safely and keep the roads clear to allow emergency services and traffic management teams to operate.
PREMIER EXPRESSES SYMPATHY
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns expressed sympathy to the families and friends of those injured.
He described the incident as heartbreaking, particularly as supporters had gathered to send off the team before its Grand Final appearance.
The incident occurred as Newcastle supporters came together ahead of the Knights' NRL Grand Final match in Sydney.