Teen driver charged after car hits Knights fans in Newcastle

A car driven by 18-year-old Indika Bambrick Samarasinghe struck a group of Newcastle Knights supporters gathered near a roundabout at Wallsend on Saturday morning. Ten people were injured as fans waited to cheer the team bus heading to the NRL grand final in Sydney.

Witnesses said the BMW stopped at the roundabout before accelerating on the wet road and losing control. Fan Chris Clancy suffered fractures to his ribs, spine and foot plus a broken collarbone; he said he thought he was going to die as the vehicle approached.

“I honestly thought I was going to die. It just felt like slow motion.”

A five-year-old girl was placed in an induced coma with critical injuries and remains in a serious but stable condition at John Hunter Hospital, along with a 67-year-old man. At least seven people were still hospitalised as of Sunday.

Samarasinghe was charged with nine offences including dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm. He did not apply for bail during a brief court appearance on Sunday and was formally refused bail; his next appearance is set for 15 October.

Police said the incident did not appear deliberate but declined to comment on reports of erratic driving beforehand. Two other occupants of the car were escorted away after the crowd turned on them.

The community has rallied, with multiple fundraisers established for the victims. More than $35,000 has been raised for the injured girl and her mother, who was also hurt in the crash.