UPDATED AT 12:40PM: An 18-year-old man has been arrested after a car struck ten people in a crowd near Wallsend, leaving a girl aged five and a man aged 67 in a critical condition.
Emergency services were called to Newcastle Link Road at the Transfield Drive roundabout about 9.30am on Saturday 3 October.
All ten people were treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital.
The other eight patients remain in a stable condition. They include a second girl aged five, a girl aged two, women aged 31 and 63, and men aged 24, 25, 48 and 57.
Police said the P-plate driver was arrested at the scene and taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District attended alongside Traffic and Highway Patrol officers and NSW Ambulance paramedics.
Police have begun an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Initial inquiries indicate it is not believed to be terror related.
The incident disrupted the planned route of the Newcastle Knights’ grand final procession. The procession was diverted via an alternate route, and police confirmed the team bus had departed Newcastle.
Police acknowledged many supporters may have missed the opportunity to see the team and show their support.
Newcastle Link Road remains closed in both directions and is expected to stay closed for some time while inquiries continue.
Motorists are advised to check Live Traffic for the latest road closure information.
