Bail Denied After Car Hits Rugby League Fans Near Newcastle

An 18-year-old provisional driver has been refused bail after allegedly driving a car into a crowd of rugby league supporters near Newcastle on Saturday morning, injuring 10 people. The incident occurred near a roundabout as thousands of spectators gathered along streets to farewell the Newcastle Knights team as they departed for the grand final in Sydney.

Court Appearance and Charges

Indika Bambrick Samarasinghe appeared in court on Sunday facing nine charges, including dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, negligent driving, and causing bodily harm by misconduct. Samarasinghe made no application for release, and the court formally refused bail while endorsing a warrant for a health assessment. The court heard that the primary dangerous driving charge carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison. Following the crash, police took Samarasinghe to a hospital for mandatory testing. He is scheduled to return to Newcastle Local Court on 15 October.

Hospitalisations and Victims

Six people remained at John Hunter Hospital following the crash, according to Tracey McCosker, chief executive of the Hunter New England Local Health District. Two patients were in serious condition and four were stable. The injured included a five-year-old girl who was initially placed in an induced coma due to critical injuries, though her condition has since stabilised.

Witnesses described the moment the vehicle hit the crowd on wet pavement. Chris Clancy, who suffered fractures to his foot, ribs, and spine alongside a broken collarbone, said, “I honestly thought I was going to die.” Another victim, Dave Martin, sustained multiple leg fractures and required extensive surgery after stepping in front of the vehicle to protect his two young granddaughters.

Investigation and Community Support

Police investigators stated they do not believe the collision was an intentional act, though they declined to comment on reports that the car was driven erratically prior to the crash. Community members have established multiple fundraising drives to support those injured, while Newcastle Knights chief executive Peter Parr issued a statement urging compassion and care for the victims.

Background

The Newcastle Knights are a professional Australian rugby league club competing in the National Rugby League (NRL). Public farewells along roadsides are a common tradition among local sports fans when teams travel to championship matches.