P-Plater Arrested After Crashing Into Rugby Fans

A five-year-old girl has been placed in an induced coma and is scheduled for multiple surgeries after being struck by a vehicle that plowed into a crowd of rugby fans. The incident occurred Saturday morning in Newcastle, north of Sydney, as fans gathered to see off the Newcastle Knights team before the NRL Grand Final.

Emergency services responded to reports of a vehicle driving erratically before it collided with people on the pavement. The 18-year-old P-plater driver of the BMW was arrested at the scene and taken for mandatory testing. Ten individuals sustained various injuries, with the five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man in critical condition.

A GoFundMe page has been established by a relative of the critically injured girl to support her and her mother, who also sustained serious injuries requiring multiple operations and a lengthy recovery. The fundraiser aims to cover medical bills, daily expenses, and other unforeseen costs.

Among the other injured were two other young girls, aged five and two, and several adults. While three individuals have since been discharged, the remaining injured are in stable condition and have been transported to John Hunter Hospital. Police have confirmed the incident is not believed to be terror-related.

One fan, Chris Clancy, shared on social media that he suffered a broken collarbone and a possible foot injury, requiring surgery. Other fans also sustained minor injuries.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Gavin Morris stated the driver was a Knights supporter who was present to celebrate the team. Morris indicated that the driver appeared to have lost control of the vehicle amidst the excitement.

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner David Waddell reported that two passengers were removed from the vehicle due to the crowd's anger. He confirmed the driver was taken for mandatory testing and would likely face charges. Waddell also noted that some bystanders provided first aid and CPR to the injured.

The Newcastle Knights issued a statement apologizing for any disruption to the fan send-off, emphasizing public safety as their priority. Club representatives expressed their thoughts were with those affected by the incident.

NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley described the event as a "preventable tragedy" resulting from a "split second decision." Premier Chris Minns and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also conveyed their concerns and offered support to the affected families and the Newcastle community.