Daijiworld Media Network - Sydney

Sydney, Oct 3: Ten people were injured after a car crashed into a crowd gathered in Australia's Newcastle city on Saturday, with initial police investigations indicating that the incident was not terror-related.

The crowd had gathered to bid farewell to the Newcastle Knights rugby league team, who are set to face the Sydney Roosters in the National Rugby League Grand Final on Sunday, New South Wales Police said.

Paramedics treated the injured at the scene before they were taken to hospital. A five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man remained in critical condition, police said.

The driver, an 18-year-old man, was arrested and was to undergo mandatory testing at a hospital.

“Police have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with initial inquiries indicating it is not believed to be terror-related,” police said in a statement.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed concern over the incident and said his thoughts were with those injured or involved.

“Rugby league brings people together, and this should have been a weekend of excitement and pride for Newcastle fans,” Albanese said in a post on X.

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.