Newcastle Knights CEO Peter Parr has expressed his deep concern after a vehicle drove into a crowd of people supporting the NRL team on Saturday, as they prepared for their Grand Final against Sydney Roosters.
Police say 10 people were injured in the incident in Wallsend, New South Wales, including several children, while the 18-year-old man driving the vehicle has been arrested.
Thousands had been cheering the team on this week as they trained ahead of Sunday’s Grand Final at Accor Stadium, Australian Associated Press reported.
Two of the injured, a five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man, are in critical condition, and the other eight are in stable condition at a hospital, according to New South Wales Police.
Those in a stable condition included another five-year-old girl and a two-year-old girl.
In a statement on Newcastle Knights’ website, Parr extended the club’s support to those who have been affected by the incident.
“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,” Parr said.
“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.
“We want to thank our incredible fans for the passion and support they showed our team this morning. The scenes across Newcastle demonstrated once again what this football club means to our community.
“I want to particularly acknowledge the extraordinary response of our first responders. The speed and professionalism of NSW Police, NSW Ambulance and all emergency services at the scene was remarkable.
“We also extend our deepest thanks to the doctors, nurses and entire team at John Hunter Hospital who are caring for those injured.
“I would also like to personally acknowledge NSW Police Commissioner Malcolm Lanyon for his leadership and support.
“Newcastle is a strong community. We have seen that strength throughout this week, and today we need to draw on it again with compassion, care and support for those who need it most.”
Assistant Commissioner David Waddell of New South Wales Police told reporters on Saturday: “The male has been arrested.
“There were two other persons in the car. We had to get the three of them out of there because the crowd did turn on them.
“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.”
Waddell added the crash was not believed to be related to terrorism.
“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,” Waddell said.