Newcastle Knights fans injured as car hits crowd at grand final send-off

A car has crashed into a crowd of Newcastle Knights supporters who had gathered to wave off their team's grand final bus, injuring several people, including children.

The incident happened at about 9.30am on Saturday on the Newcastle Link Road, near the Transfield Drive roundabout in Wallsend. Thousands of fans had lined the streets to cheer on the team ahead of their grand final match against the Sydney Roosters on Sunday.

The driver of the vehicle was arrested at the scene, NSW Police confirmed.

The collision triggered a massive emergency response, turning a morning of celebration into one of panic. Ten ambulances and three helicopters were dispatched to the area, with paramedics treating the injured on a nearby oval before transporting patients to John Hunter Hospital.

The Newcastle Knights immediately diverted the team bus from its planned route and apologised to the fans who missed out on seeing the players.

"We apologise to anyone who was waiting and missed the boys, but public safety is our priority," the club said in a social media post.

Sydney Morning Herald reporter Tom Decent, who was interviewing supporters at the scene when the crash occurred, described how the atmosphere changed in an instant.

"That excitement has turned to confusion and concern for their fellow fans," Decent said. "It’s chaos here at the moment. People have realised something very serious has happened."

The Newcastle Link Road, a major route connecting Newcastle to Sydney, was closed in both directions. Locals reported being trapped in heavy traffic as emergency services took over the highway, with witnesses reporting at least 30 emergency responders on the ground.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns described the incident as heartbreaking.

"My thoughts are with the families and friends of loved ones who have been involved or injured in the crash," the Premier said. "We’ve seen how this grand final has brought Newcastle together, and I hope the whole community remains united as we continue to respond."

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery urged locals to avoid the area while emergency services worked.

Police have appealed to the public to disperse safely and keep the roads clear. Officers from the Newcastle City Police District, alongside traffic highway patrol and paramedics, remain on the scene as investigations continue.