An 18-year-old P-plater has been refused bail after his car allegedly careered into a crowd of Newcastle Knights supporters, leaving 10 people injured, including a five-year-old girl placed in an induced coma.
Indika Bambrick Samarasinghe appeared in court on Sunday over the incident, which occurred near a major roundabout on Saturday morning as thousands of fans lined the streets to farewell the team travelling to Sydney for the grand final.
Six remain in hospital
Six people remain at the John Hunter Hospital with injuries caused by the collision, according to the Hunter New England Local Health District chief executive, Tracey McCosker. Two are in a serious condition, while four are stable.
Among the injured is a five-year-old girl who had been placed into an induced coma with critical injuries, although her condition has stabilised.
Charges and court appearance
Samarasinghe was taken to hospital for mandatory testing and subsequently charged with nine offences, including dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, negligent driving and causing bodily harm by misconduct.
He did not make any application for release during a brief court appearance on Sunday, and he was formally refused bail. The judge also endorsed a warrant for a health assessment.
The bail court was told the most serious offence of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm carried a maximum jail term of seven years. He will next appear at the Newcastle local court on 15 October.
Witness describes terrifying moments
Chris Clancy was among those injured in the crash, after joining thousands of Newcastle Knights fans to line the streets for the team's send-off.
“We’re there at the roundabout having fun – cars going past, beeping their horns, people waving,” Clancy said. “The next thing, this car stops [at] the roundabout and then he just floored it on the wet ground, lost it.”
Clancy suffered small fractures in his ribs and spine, a broken collarbone, and small fractures in his foot.
Community support and fundraisers
Investigators did not believe the incident was deliberate but declined to comment on reports the vehicle was being driven erratically before the crash.
Multiple fundraisers have been established for the victims, including one for the five-year-old girl and another for Wallsend grandfather Dave Martin, who was injured while trying to protect his two young granddaughters. Martin sustained multiple fractures in both legs and underwent lengthy surgery.
The Knights’ chief executive, Peter Parr, expressed deep concern for those affected by the crash. “Newcastle is a strong community,” he said. “We have seen that strength throughout this week, and today we need to draw on it again with compassion, care and support for those who need it most.”
