An 18-year-old driver will remain in custody following a crash that injured ten Newcastle Knights supporters, including young children, during a gathering on Saturday morning. The incident occurred near a major roundabout as fans lined the streets to support the team ahead of the NRL grand final.

The driver, P-plater Indika Bambrick Samarasinghe, allegedly lost control of his vehicle and struck the crowd. Authorities confirmed that six individuals injured in the crash remain hospitalised at John Hunter Hospital, with five in stable condition as of Sunday afternoon. Among the victims is a critically injured five-year-old girl who was placed in an induced coma; her condition has since stabilised.

Samarasinghe was taken to hospital for compulsory testing following the crash and later charged with nine offences, including dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, negligent driving, and causing bodily harm by misconduct. During a brief court appearance on Sunday, he did not seek bail and was formally denied release. The presiding judge also ordered a health assessment. Samarasinghe is scheduled to reappear at Newcastle Local Court on 15 October. The maximum penalty for the most serious charge—dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm—is seven years in prison.

Among those injured was Chris Clancy, who described the event as happening suddenly and unexpectedly while fans were gathered cheerfully at the roundabout. Clancy sustained multiple injuries, including small fractures to his ribs, spine, and foot, as well as a broken collarbone. Investigations have so far not suggested intent, although police declined to comment on allegations of erratic driving prior to the collision.

Community members have mobilised support through multiple fundraising efforts. One campaign aims to assist the five-year-old girl, while another supports Wallsend resident Dave Martin, a well-known Newcastle Knights enthusiast. Martin was severely injured while attempting to shield his two young granddaughters during the crash, sustaining multiple fractures in both legs that required extensive surgery. He is noted for his passionate support of the Knights, often displaying team decorations in his barber shop on Nelson Street.

Peter Parr, chief executive of the Newcastle Knights, expressed sympathy for those affected and highlighted the resilience of the local community. “Newcastle is a strong community,” Parr 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.”

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash as the community rallies around the victims and their families.