Newcastle Knights captain reacts to car crash in the city, leaving 10, including children, injured as vehicle rams into crowd of rugby fans

Horrifying scenes unfolded in Newcastle, north of Sydney, where a vehicle drove into a crowd standing on a road to cheer on the Newcastle Knights rugby team on Saturday (October 3, 2026). At least 10 people, including children, sustained injuries, multiple news outlets, including news agency AP, reported.

According to the New South Wales (NSW) police, two of the injured, a 5-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man, were in critical condition, the news agency reported. The other eight people were in stable condition at a hospital. Those in stable condition included another 5-year-old girl and a 2-year-old girl.




An 18-year-old man, a P-plate driver, who was reportedly driving the vehicle, was taken into custody, and police were investigating to determine the cause behind the incident and what exactly happened. The teenager was taken to a hospital for mandatory testing, News.com.au reported. Police officials brushed aside all possibilities of this crash being linked to terrorism in any manner.

The suspect was then taken in for questioning and is expected to be charged later on Saturday. Thousands were present cheering for the Knights as the team trained, according to the Australian Associated Press. On Saturday morning, another large crowd was on the street to see the team bus off ahead of the rugby league finals match on Sunday (October 4, 2026).

Newcastle Knights captain reacts to the crash

Kalyn Ponga, Newcastle Knights captain, has reacted to the crash and has sent a heartfelt message to those affected by it. “Our hearts are with everyone affected in Wallsend this morning,” he said on Instagram. “We’re thinking of you, your families, and everyone in our Newcastle community. Sending our love and support.”