Sydney, Oct. 3 (SANA) Ten people were injured on Saturday after a car struck a crowd in Newcastle, north of Sydney, with police arresting the driver.
Australian broadcaster ABC reported that the incident occurred in the suburb of Wallsend, about 110 km north of Sydney, as supporters gathered along the streets to farewell the Newcastle Knights rugby league team, which is due to play in the National Rugby League final in Sydney on Sunday.
Authorities said two of those injured , a five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man were taken to hospital in critical condition, according to ABC.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Gavin Morris said preliminary indications suggested that the 18-year-old driver had lost control of the vehicle, with investigators considering the possibility that the accelerator was pressed, causing the car to surge towards the crowd.
Police said initial information indicated that the incident was not terrorism-related, while investigations were continuing to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Nine people were injured on Nov. 11 last year after a car struck spectators during a motor race in southeastern Australia.
IZ/MZ
