18-year-old charged after hitting 10 Knights fans at grand final send-off
Indika Bambrick Samarasinghe, 18, struck 10 Newcastle Knights fans with a BMW, critically injuring a 5-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man.
An 18-year-old P-plater appeared in Newcastle bail court on Sunday charged with nine offences after a BMW hit 10 Knights fans at a team send-off on Saturday morning. The crash happened at Wallsend as tens of thousands lined the streets to wave off the team bus ahead of the NRL grand final.
A 5-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man suffered critical injuries but were reported to be improving. All 10 victims were taken to John Hunter Hospital.
Indika Bambrick Samarasinghe remains in custody and made no application for release. He will return to Newcastle Local Court on October 15.
Police are investigating whether he was driving erratically before the incident.
- 18
- Driver age
- 10
- People struck
- 5-year-old girl and 67-year-old man
- Critically injured
- October 15
- Court date
Why it mattersThe crash marred what was meant to be a celebration for Newcastle's first grand final in 25 years, critically injuring a child and elderly man.
AustraliaNewcastle's grand final moment was overshadowed by this serious incident, and the community rally that was meant to celebrate the team ended in tragedy.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 49 min ago
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