Newcastle, Australia: Ten people were injured after a car crashed into a crowd of rugby league supporters gathered in Newcastle’s Wallsend area on Saturday morning.

The incident occurred at about 9:30 a.m. local time near the Transfield Drive roundabout on Newcastle Link Road, where fans had gathered to farewell the Newcastle Knights before the team’s National Rugby League grand final in Sydney.

Emergency services responded rapidly, with ambulances, helicopters, police and other rescue personnel attending the scene. All ten injured people were taken to John Hunter Hospital for medical treatment.

Among those injured was a five-year-old girl who was initially in critical condition. She was later reported to be in a critical but stable condition. A 67-year-old man who was also initially in critical condition was subsequently described as being in a serious but stable condition. Several other victims, including young children, remained in hospital in stable condition, while some injured people were later discharged.

Police arrested the 18-year-old driver at the scene. Authorities later charged him with multiple driving offences, including dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm. His provisional driving licence was suspended and the vehicle was seized for forensic examination.

The driver appeared before Newcastle Bail Court on Sunday and was refused bail. The case has been adjourned for further proceedings later this month.

Initial police inquiries indicate that the incident was not believed to be terrorism-related. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the crash, including what happened immediately before the vehicle entered the crowd.

The crowd had gathered to support the Newcastle Knights, who were preparing for their major final against the Sydney Roosters. The team bus was diverted from its planned route following the incident because of the emergency response and concerns for public safety.

The crash shocked the local community because many of those gathered were families and children attending what was expected to be a celebratory event. Newcastle authorities and the Knights organization expressed support for those injured and their families.

Police and emergency authorities continue to investigate the incident. Further information is expected as investigators examine the vehicle, witness accounts and other evidence.

The incident has also highlighted the importance of crowd safety around major sporting events, particularly when large numbers of supporters gather close to roads and moving vehicles.

For Newcastle residents, the crash transformed a day of sporting excitement into a major emergency, with the community now focused on the recovery of those injured.