Rugby Fans Injured in Newcastle Car Incident
An 18-year-old driver was arrested after a car drove into a crowd of rugby fans in Newcastle, north of Sydney, injuring ten people, nos.nl reported. The incident occurred as thousands of supporters gathered along the road to cheer for the local team ahead of the upcoming national rugby competition final this coming Sunday.
Emergency responders transported all ten injured individuals to the hospital following the collision. Two victims are currently in critical condition: a 5-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man. Among the eight other patients listed in stable condition are two additional young girls, aged 2 and 5 years old.
Police Investigation Into the Newcastle Crash
Authorities have not yet established how the vehicle managed to enter the pedestrian-heavy area. A police spokesperson told the news agency Reuters that initial indications suggest the event lacks any terrorist motive. Footage from the scene broadcast by Australian media outlet ABC News showed members of the crowd shouting at the driver as officers forced him into a police vehicle.
Dan Repacholi, a local member of parliament, provided further context regarding the mechanics of the incident on Facebook. According to Repacholi, the vehicle was performing a “burnout”—a maneuver where a driver presses the gas and brake pedals simultaneously to cause the rear wheels to spin—when the driver lost control of the steering wheel.
Driver Loses Control During Burnout as Police Rule Out Terror
What caused the car to hit the crowd in Newcastle?
Local parliament member Dan Repacholi stated on Facebook that the 18-year-old driver was performing a burnout and lost control of the steering wheel. Police have confirmed that initial evidence points away from any terrorist motive.
What is the current condition of the injured victims?
All ten injured individuals were taken to the hospital. A 5-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man remain in critical condition, while eight others, including two girls aged 2 and 5, are in stable condition.
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