Police warn fans not to gather on motorways, victims spend grand final in hospital
by Anna Falkenmire · Newcastle HeraldPolice have urged Knights fans to avoid gathering on major roadways after a horror crash sent shockwaves through the community.
Ten people were hurt, including a young girl and a man who suffered critical injuries, when 18-year-old P-plater Indika Bambrick Samarasinghe allegedly lost control of a BMW convertible at Wallsend on Saturday.
A major police operation was under way at the time, allowing a swift emergency response, and police said that operation would continue as the Knights travelled home after playing their first NRL grand final in 25 years.
Police warning
NSW Police said officers would continue to coordinate the high-visibility operation across Newcastle and the Hunter region on Sunday night.
The blitz was launched on Friday, October 2, and will wrap up on Sunday, October 4, after running well into the evening as the Knights return to Newcastle from Sydney.
Police have asked the public not to gather on major motorways as no fan engagements were planned after the game.
Community members and fans have also been asked to engage in a safe and respectful manner regardless of whether the Sydney Roosters or the Knights take home the win.
Police, backed by specialist resources from highway patrol, the riot squad, the transport command, water police and other units, will be patrolling across Newcastle and the Hunter.
Officers will be targeting antisocial behaviour and any actions that put community safety at risk.
Police said spectators and patrons should plan their trips and allow extra travel time, use public transport, organise a safe way home from events, look out for others, never drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs, and obey directions from police, security and event staff.
Call triple zero (000) in an emergency or the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 for non-urgent help.
What we know about the crowd crash
The renewed warning comes after a devastating crash about 9.30am on Saturday, October 3, as the Newcastle Knights team was preparing to leave Newcastle.
Samarasinghe was allegedly driving erratically with two other passengers, men aged 18 and 19, before he lost control of the BMW convertible and it struck fans lined up to farewell the team at Wallsend.
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He faces nine charges and remains behind bars after facing a weekend bail court for the first time on Sunday, October 4. He was allegedly known to police.
As Samarasinghe was being called up from the police cells, several of those injured in the crash were still being treated in hospital as the community rallied around them.
Tributes pour in
The conditions of the 67-year-old man and five-year-old girl who suffered critical injuries had reportedly improved at John Hunter Hospital on Sunday.
Doctors were continuing to treat another four people who were injured in the crash at that time, while four others had been discharged. Their ages ranged between two and 63.
Knights players led the tributes to the victims on Saturday, while one man, Chris Clancy, was visited in hospital by club legend Mark Hughes.
Tributes have also poured in from the community. One car painted in red and blue stripes had written on its back window: "Fight on, Little Knight".
More than $64,000 had been raised for the Knights supporters who were most seriously injured across two GoFundMe pages in less than 24 hours.
- NRL grand final live blog: Full coverage of our first grand final in 25 years
Dave Martin, the 67-year-old originally listed as critical but who has since stabilised, is a retired barber from Wallsend.
His daughter, Lucy-Mae Martin, set up the fundraising page. She said he was caring for his two granddaughters when he pushed them out of the way and was struck by the car.
He had undergone eight hours of surgery overnight following the crash after suffering multiple fractures in both legs.
A Newcastle woman also launched a GoFundMe for the seriously injured five-year-old girl and her mother.
"Both mum and child now have a long road ahead of them, with ongoing surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation and recovery," the fundraising page said.
- Support is available for those who may be distressed. Phone Lifeline 13 11 14; MensLine 1300 789 978; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800; beyondblue 1300 224 636; 1800-RESPECT 1800 737 732.