A five-year-old girl faces a lengthy recovery after a car struck Newcastle Knights fans gathered near a roundabout in Wallsend, while the 18-year-old driver has been refused bail.
Indika Bambrick Samarasinghe, a provisional driver, was charged over Saturday’s crash after his BMW careered into supporters who had gathered to farewell the team as it travelled to Sydney for the NRL grand final.
The girl was among two patients in a serious but stable condition in hospital after previously being placed in an induced coma with critical injuries. A further patient remained in a serious condition, while four others were stable and four had been discharged, according to NSW Health.
Samarasinghe was taken to hospital for mandatory testing before being charged with nine offences, including dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, negligent driving and causing bodily harm by misconduct.
He did not apply for release during a brief court appearance on Sunday and was formally refused bail. The court heard that the most serious charge carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison. He is due to appear at Newcastle Local Court on October 15.
Newcastle Knights fans crash leaves victims facing long recovery
Fundraisers have been set up for those injured, with more than $35,000 raised for the girl and her mother, who was also hurt.
“Both mum and child now have a long road ahead of them, with ongoing surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation and recovery,” the girl’s aunt said.
Chris Clancy, who suffered fractures to his ribs, spine and foot as well as a broken collarbone, said there had been a carnival atmosphere at the roundabout before the crash.
“The next thing, this car stops (at) the roundabout and then he just floored it on the wet ground, lost it,” he told AAP.
“It happened in seconds, but when you stand there, seeing the car coming at you, I honestly thought I was going to die. It just felt like slow motion.”
Dave Martin, 67, was struck while trying to protect his two young granddaughters. He suffered multiple fractures in both legs and underwent lengthy surgery.
Mr Martin is known in Wallsend for his support of the Knights, regularly decorating his barber shop on Nelson Street with team memorabilia.
Knights chief executive Peter Parr said the club was deeply concerned for everyone affected.
“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.”
Investigators do not believe the crash was deliberate, although police have declined to comment on reports that the vehicle had been driven erratically before the collision.
NSW Police said officers would coordinate a high-visibility operation across Newcastle and the Hunter following the match, and asked the public not to gather on major motorways because no fan engagements were planned.
