Arabic version: توجيه اتهامات لمراهق بعد اصطدام سيارة بمشجعي نيوكاسل

According to ABC News, an 18-year-old man has been charged after a car allegedly crashed into a crowd of Newcastle Knights supporters at Wallsend in Newcastle’s west. Indika Bambrick Samarasinghe was arrested at the scene.

Court documents viewed by ABC said Mr Samarasinghe faces three counts each of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and causing bodily harm by misconduct. NSW Police said his P1 provisional licence had been suspended and the vehicle seized for forensic examination. He is due to appear in Newcastle Bail Court tomorrow.

Police allege the car crashed into the crowd at a roundabout on Newcastle Link Road about 9.30am on October 3. Ten people were taken to John Hunter Hospital. A five-year-old girl was in a critical but stable condition, while a 67-year-old man was in a serious but stable condition.

Police said a second five-year-old girl, a two-year-old girl, a 31-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man remained in hospital in stable conditions. Three men aged 24, 25 and 27, and a 63-year-old woman, had been discharged. The two other passengers in the car, aged 18 and 19, were not injured.

Thousands had gathered to farewell the Knights before their grand-final appearance on October 4. The team bus, which was due to pass through the area en route to Sydney, was diverted. Knights director of football Chris James said the club’s thoughts were with those affected, their families and people at the scene.