A car collision involving a group of people gathered to see the Newcastle Knights depart for the NRL grand final has left 10 individuals injured, including a grandfather who intervened to protect his granddaughters. The incident occurred on Saturday in Wallsend, a suburb of Newcastle, when a BMW, allegedly driven by 18-year-old Indika Bambrick Samarasinghe, struck the crowd.
According to authorities, Samarasinghe was reportedly driving erratically and performing burnouts prior to the crash. Among those injured was Dave Martin, a local grandfather and former barber, who sustained multiple fractures in both legs after pushing his two young granddaughters out of harm’s way. Martin underwent an eight-hour surgery and is currently recovering at John Hunter Hospital. His daughter established a GoFundMe campaign, noting that Martin’s granddaughters are in stable condition and recovering, crediting Martin’s quick actions with preventing more severe harm.
Another victim, 48-year-old Newcastle Knights supporter Chris Clancy, sustained several broken bones, including a fractured collarbone requiring surgery. Despite his injuries, Clancy expressed his determination to watch the grand final from his hospital bed. His two nephews were also grazed and bruised in the incident.
A five-year-old girl was among the most seriously injured. A relative stated that she remains in an induced coma after multiple surgeries. The child’s 31-year-old mother was also seriously hurt, both now facing prolonged hospital stays, rehabilitation, and recovery. The family’s ongoing financial challenges prompted the establishment of a fundraising effort to support their needs.
Following the crash, Samarasinghe was arrested and charged with three counts each of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and causing bodily harm by misconduct while operating a vehicle. The maximum sentence for the most serious charge is seven years’ imprisonment. Police have suspended Samarasinghe’s driver’s license and seized the car for forensic examination. Reports indicate this was not Samarasinghe’s first suspension; his license had been suspended earlier this year in February, with an unsuccessful appeal following.
Samarasinghe appeared via video link in court on Sunday and did not apply for bail. The court observed he appeared upset and showed signs of injury, including what seemed to be a black eye. He will remain in custody until a further hearing scheduled for October 15.
New South Wales Police Minister Yasmin Catley described the crash as a “tragedy that needn’t have happened” and preventable. Premier Chris Minns called the incident “heartbreaking,” extending his sympathies to those affected. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the event, stating the tragedy marred what should have been a weekend of celebration and pride for Newcastle rugby league fans.