Emergency services have raced to the scene where supporters of the Newcastle Knights gathered to wave the team bus off as players made their way to the NRL grand final
‘Several people’ have been injured after a car drove into a crowd of fans at a rugby league team’s parade, police have confirmed. Fans of Newcastle Knights, a professional rugby league team in New South Wales, Australia, gathered as the team coach set off to drive to Sydney for Sunday’s (October 4) NRL grand final.
However, celebration turned to tragedy when a car reportedly struck ‘several’ supporters at around 9:30am local time on Saturday (October 3), police confirmed. The driver has been arrested, a spokesperson added.
A statement from the force said: “About 9.30am today (Saturday 3 October 2026), emergency services were called to Newcastle Link Road at the Transfield Drive roundabout following reports a vehicle had struck multiple people in a crowd.
“Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District are on scene, assisted by Traffic and Highway Patrol Command officers and NSW Ambulance paramedics.
“Several people have been injured and are currently receiving treatment at the scene. The driver of the vehicle was arrested at the scene. Newcastle Link Road has been closed in both directions and is expected to remain closed for some time while inquiries continue.”
The bus was diverted to an alternative route, cops added. A spokesperson for NSW Ambulance also told the Daily Mail : “Several people are injured at this stage and the situation is still evolving.”
Reportedly, more than 10 ambulances have rushed to the scene as well as three helicopters. New South Wales MP Sonia Hornery issued a statement on the incident.
She said: “I’ve just become aware of an incident involving a vehicle colliding with pedestrians on Newcastle Link Road while knights fans were there to cheer on the team coach.
“Emergency services are on site. Newcastle Link Road is closed in both directions. Please avoid the area. I hope everyone involved is ok.”
Sunday will be the first time since 2001 that Newcastle will appear in the final, and the New South Wales city has come out in support of the Knights. The match will crown the winners of Australia’s NRL premiership, the highest honour in club rugby league.
The team finished bottom of the table in 2025, and has had an unlikely turnaround this year, spearheaded by stellar performances by England winger Dom Young.
NSW Police are appealing for anyone with information about this incident to get in touch with Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. Officers have reminded the public is not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.