Ten individuals sustained injuries when a driver drove into a group in Newcastle, Australia, on Saturday, seemingly losing control of the vehicle, as per authorities. The 18-year-old driver was apprehended at the scene in Wallsend, a suburb located approximately 110 kilometers north of Sydney, the capital of New South Wales.
The incident took place as supporters lined the local streets to bid farewell to the Newcastle Knights rugby league team, as they were set to participate in the National Rugby League grand final in Sydney the following day. Among those hospitalized, a five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man were reported to be in critical condition, authorities confirmed.
Newcastle Mayor Gavin Morris remarked in a televised statement that the driver appeared to have lost control of the car, possibly due to revving the engine. Police mentioned that initial assessments did not suggest any connection to terrorism.