Emergency services were called to Newcastle Link Road at the Transfield Drive roundabout in Wallsend about 9.30am on Saturday, where a crowd had gathered to cheer the Knights team bus as it departed for Sydney. NSW Ambulance confirmed nine people were taken to John Hunter Hospital, with one in critical condition, one critical but stable, and the rest in stable condition. Earlier reports had suggested 10 people were injured, including children. Newcastle Mayor Gavin Morris described the incident as a shock to a city riding a wave of grand final euphoria.
"It's just been a magical week of positivity and support, and we've all come together," Morris told the ABC. "So it was an absolute shock to hear the news this morning."
The Knights team bus was forced to take a diverted route after the crash. A passenger on the bus, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the change in atmosphere. "When we started the trip off, it was euphoria," the passenger said. "It was incredible, there were people everywhere, it was awesome. And then it was, 'Why are we going here?' Little murmurs started. And then they came to address us ... it put a downer on everything. What started as euphoria ended up being a very quiet bus."
Another passenger said the riders were shocked. "Our fans mean everything to us. For that to happen; horrible. Everyone is rattled."
NRL executive chairman Peter V'landys expressed his concern. "Geez, it's bloody awful," he told reporters. "We're just concerned about the victims."
Coach Justin Holbrook had addressed media less than an hour before the crash, saying grand final emotion would not overwhelm his players. The Knights face the Sydney Roosters in Sunday's grand final. It remains unclear whether the incident will affect the team's preparations or the game itself.