Newcastle crash as it happened: 10 people injured, driver arrested after car hits Knights crowd

NSW Premier Chris Minns has released a statement about the incident, and is being briefed on the details as they emerge.

“It’s heartbreaking to see fans who were sending off their grand final team involved in such a terrible incident,” Minns said.

“My thoughts are with the families and friends of loved ones who have been involved or injured in the crash. 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 the Newcastle together, and I hope the whole community remains united as we continue to respond.”

He urged the “large number” of fans and families travelling to Sydney for the grand final to drive safely.

The Herald’s chief sports reporter Tom Decent was nearby interviewing fans when the incident happened.

Tom says word started coming through that many people had been hit by a car and were severely injured.

“There are thousands and thousands of Knights fans on the street waiting to watch their heroes come through on the team but, but that’s now not happening,” Tom says.

“That excitement has turned to confusion and concern for their fellow fans. It’s chaos here at the moment. Pepole have realised something very serious has happened.”

A helicopter has just landed on a nearby cricket oval.

Good morning.

Multiple people of various ages have been injured after a car crashed into a crowd of football fans who had come out to farewell the Newcastle Knights team bus in Wallsend on Saturday morning.

A major operation is under way after emergency services were called to Newcastle Link Road at the Transfield Drive roundabout following reports a vehicle had struck multiple people about 9.30am.

The extent of their injuries is unknown. The driver was arrested at the scene.

The planned route for the Newcastle Knights bus has been diverted. Police have advised the public to avoid Newcastle Link Road, Wallsend, and to follow the advice of emergency services.