P-plater charged after car allegedly hit Knights fans in Newcastle
A P-plate driver has been charged with multiple offences after ten people, including three children, were allegedly hit by a car in Newcastle while waiting to farewell the Knights ahead of Sunday’s NRL grand final.
The 18-year-old allegedly behind the wheel when the BMW lost control has been charged with three counts of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm - drive manner dangerous.
A P-plate driver has been charged with multiple offences after ten people, including three children, were allegedly hit by a car in Newcastle. 9News
The teen, who is known to police, was also charged with three counts of negligent driving (occasions grievous bodily harm) and three counts of cause bodily harm by misconduct, in charge of motor vehicle.
Police allege the incident was not deliberate, and the crowd leapt in to help those hurt, even giving CPR.
“He’s driven along here erratically and lost control of the vehicle and it’s gone into the crowd,” NSW Police Assistant Commissioner David Waddell said.
“There’s no suggestion at all its targeted or any ill motive.”
A five-year-old girl remains in a critical but stable condition after suffering head injuries and broken bones. Her mother has a broken leg.
A 67-year-old man is now in a serious but stable condition after being rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
The alleged driver was arrested at the scene after the Newcastle Knights fans were injured. 9News
About 1000 fans were crowding that part of the route, with people stopping the driver from fleeing the scene, police said. 9News
Police rushed to the roundabout on Newcastle Link in Wallsend, NSW at about 9.30am on Saturday, after reports of a BMW ploughing into a group of people.
About 1000 fans were crowding that part of the route, with people stopping the driver from allegedly fleeing the scene, police said.
The two male passengers in the car, who police say are aged 18 and 19, were not injured.
The driver was arrested and taken to hospital for mandatory testing before being taken to a local police station, where he was later charged.
“The crowd did turn on them,” Waddell said.
“Certainly there was a fair bit of angst from the crowd who jumped in and gave first aid and even CPR.”
Four other people – a second 5-year-old girl, a 2-year-old girl, a 31-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man – remain at John Hunter Hospital, in stable conditions.
Three men – aged 24, 25 and 27 – along with a 63-year-old woman have since been discharged from hospital.
Police investigate after a car allegedly ploughed into NRL fans in Wallsend in Newcastle, NSW. Nine
The fans were lining the streets to bid farewell to the Newcastle Knights team bus ahead of Sunday’s NRL grand final.
The team were told of the crash on the bus.
Newcastle Link Road was closed in both directions between Lake Road and Minmi Road at Wallsend before reopening in the afternoon.
Footage shared on social media showed heavy traffic backed up as an emergency helicopter landed on the road.
Yasmin Catley, Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism called it “an absolute tragedy, a tragedy that needn’t have happened.”
Seven people remain at John Hunter Hospital, with three of the injured people now discharged. 9News
Jenny Aitchison Minster for Roads, said it was a “horrific start to the long weekend”. 9News
“So many people have been affected,” she said.
“I just plead with everybody again, please drive responsibly.”
Jenny Aitchison Minister for Roads, said it was a “horrific start to the long weekend” but noted “it could have been so much worse”.
Witnesses recall celebration turning to disaster
Adam Geosits was there as it all unfolded and said he pulled the alleged driver from the car and took his keys.
Chris Clancy and his two mates Mat and Tom were also in the crowd.
“It was like a party atmosphere I guess you could say, and just in a spilt second everything changed,” they said.
A driver allegedly ploughed into NRL fans in Wallsend in Newcastle, NSW. Nine
NRL boss and leaders rally around affected fans
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Saturday his thoughts are with everyone affected by the tragic incident.
“I want to acknowledge and thank emergency services and police for responding so quickly, and their ongoing work in treating the injured.
“Rugby league brings people together, and this should have been a weekend of excitement and pride for Newcastle fans,” Albanese said in a statement.
He added that he had reached to NSW Premier Chris Minns offering government support if needed.
Newcastle Knights, the club CEO and team members have all commented on the incident, which players were told about while they were on the bus. 9News
Minns called the incident “heartbreaking”, urging drivers heading to Sydney to watch the game to drive safely.
“It’s heartbreaking to see fans who were sending off their grand final team involved in such a terrible incident.
“My thoughts are with the families and friends of loved ones who have been involved or injured in the crash. I also want to thank emergency services, including police and ambulance who are responding to this tragedy.
“We’ve seen how this grand final has brought the Newcastle together, and I hope the whole community remains united as we continue to respond,” Minns said.
NRL boss Peter V’landys also said that he was “deeply saddened”.
The road was shut in both directions as a helicopter landed. Facebook
“We’re currently working with police to understand the circumstances.
“Our thoughts are very much with those injured and anyone impacted by these events.
“Not to mention the entire Knights community who have come together in jubilation to support their team,” he said in a statement.
The Newcastle Knights echoed a similar sentiment in their statement following the incident.
“Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by the incident, including those at the scene and their families,” they said.
Newcastle Knights CEO Peter Parr said his “thoughts and prayers are first and foremost with everyone who has been injured, their families and loved ones, and everyone who witnessed what occurred.”
“Newcastle is a strong community. 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,” he added.
Newcastle Lord Mayor, Gavin Morris, said the community was “heartbroken” by the “terrible incident”.
“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,” he said.
The 18-year-old’s licence was suspended and he was refused bail.
He’s scheduled to appear in Newcastle Bail Court on Sunday.
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