newy.com.au – A five-year-old girl critically injured when a car struck Newcastle Knights supporters at Wallsend is now in a serious but stable condition, with six people still receiving treatment at John Hunter Hospital.
The improvement comes as the 18-year-old man charged over Saturday’s crash remains in custody following a court appearance on Sunday.
Hunter New England Local Health District said two patients were in serious but stable conditions as of 6.30am on Sunday, 4 October. Four others were stable, while four of the ten people taken to hospital had been discharged.
The girl and a 67-year-old man were initially reported to be in critical conditions after the crash. Police said late on Saturday that the man’s condition had improved to serious but stable.
In Sunday’s statement, Hunter New England Local Health District chief executive Tracey McCosker said staff were continuing to care for the injured and support their families.
“There are currently six patients receiving care for their injuries at John Hunter Hospital,” Ms McCosker said.
“We continue to directly support the families of those in our care.”
The other patients remaining in hospital were identified in the latest police update as a second five-year-old girl, a two-year-old girl, a 31-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man. Men aged 24, 25 and 27, and a 63-year-old woman, had been discharged.
Emergency services were called to Newcastle Link Road at the Transfield Drive roundabout about 9.30am on Saturday, 3 October, after a car struck people gathered to farewell the Knights ahead of their trip to Sydney for the NRL grand final.
All ten injured people received treatment at the scene before being taken to John Hunter Hospital.
The crash forced the Knights’ team bus to take an alternative route. Police asked supporters to leave the area safely and keep roads clear for emergency services.
The accused driver, Indika Bambrick Samarasinghe, faces three counts each of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and causing bodily harm by misconduct while in charge of a motor vehicle.
Mr Samarasinghe made no application for bail during Sunday’s hearing and bail was formally refused. His next appearance is scheduled for Newcastle Local Court on 15 October.
Police said the P1 provisional licence holder was arrested at the scene and taken to hospital for mandatory testing before being charged. His licence has since been suspended.
Two male passengers, aged 18 and 19, were not injured. The car was seized for forensic examination, and specialist Crash Investigation Unit officers examined the scene.
Police Minister Yasmin Catley urged motorists to consider the safety of everyone around them.
“Driver behaviour is so important, and I can’t implore people enough to please remember when you are driving, you have to keep the people in your car and outside of your car safe,” Ms Catley said.
Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison thanked the emergency crews and members of the public who helped those injured.
“I’d like to thank all of the first responders and the bystanders who assisted. Their actions have really made a difference. Thank you for everything you do,” Ms Aitchison said.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Gavin Morris said the impact extended beyond those physically injured to families and witnesses who had gathered for the send-off.
“My thoughts are with the people who were hurt, their families and loved ones, as well as those who were there and saw it, many of whom were children and families there to cheer on the team,” Cr Morris said.
The Newcastle Knights have also expressed support for those affected. Chief executive Peter Parr thanked police, paramedics and other emergency services, along with the doctors, nurses and staff caring for patients at John Hunter Hospital.
Mr Parr said the club’s concern extended to injured supporters, their loved ones and everyone who witnessed the crash. He urged the community to support those affected with compassion and care.
A family fundraiser has been established for the seriously injured five-year-old girl and her mother.
Organiser Ashleigh Gibbs, who identifies herself as the mother’s sister, said the child had been placed in an induced coma and had undergone multiple operations. She said the mother also faced surgery and a lengthy recovery.
Ms Gibbs said the appeal would help with everyday living expenses, hospital travel and recovery costs while her sister was unable to work. She said funds would be transferred directly to her sister for her and her daughter’s needs.
Police investigations into the crash are continuing. Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
