Several people have been injured after a car drove into a crowd of rugby league fans waving off their team's bus, emergency services have confirmed. The incident occurred at around 9:30am local time on Saturday (October 3) as supporters of the Newcastle Knights gathered to see the team coach set off for Sydney ahead of Sunday's NRL grand final.
Incident at Newcastle Link Road
Police confirmed that a vehicle struck 'several' supporters at the Transfield Drive roundabout on Newcastle Link Road. The driver has been arrested at the scene, a spokesperson added.
A statement from the force said: "About 9.30am today (Saturday 3 October 2026), emergency services were called to Newcastle Link Road at the Transfield Drive roundabout following reports a vehicle had struck multiple people in a crowd."
Emergency response and road closure
Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District are on scene, assisted by Traffic and Highway Patrol Command officers and NSW Ambulance paramedics. Several people have been injured and are currently receiving treatment at the scene.
Newcastle Link Road has been closed in both directions and is expected to remain closed for some time while inquiries continue. The bus was diverted to an alternative route. A spokesperson for NSW Ambulance told the Daily Mail: "Several people are injured at this stage and the situation is still evolving."
Reportedly, more than 10 ambulances have rushed to the scene as well as three helicopters.
Local MP responds
New South Wales MP Sonia Hornery issued a statement on the incident. She said: "I've just become aware of an incident involving a vehicle colliding with pedestrians on Newcastle Link Road while knights fans were there to cheer on the team coach.
"Emergency services are on site. Newcastle Link Road is closed in both directions. Please avoid the area. I hope everyone involved is ok."
Sunday will be the first time since 2001 that Newcastle will appear in the final, and the New South Wales city has come out in support of the Knights. The team finished bottom of the table in 2025, and has had an unlikely turnaround this year, spearheaded by stellar performances by England winger Dom Young.
NSW Police are appealing for anyone with information about this incident to get in touch with Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. Officers have reminded the public not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
