Arabic version: دعوات لتقديم دعم نفسي بعد حادث دهس حشد مشجعي نيوكاسل نايتس
According to ABC News, trauma experts have called for a state-led mental health response, including counselling, after a car struck pedestrians gathered to farewell the Newcastle Knights NRL team. Ten people were injured when the vehicle crashed into a crowd at a roundabout on Newcastle Link Road in Newcastle’s west about 9:30am on Saturday.
Thousands of supporters had lined the road to watch the Knights bus leave Newcastle ahead of the grand final. Port Stephens councillor Giacomo Arnott, who was in the crowd, said the event had remained constantly on his mind and described a sense of collective trauma. Investigating police said they would rely on footage from people in the crowd as they piece together what happened.
Michael Timms, chair of the NSW chapter of the Australasian College of Road Safety, said many spectators had suddenly become first responders. Fans described running to help injured people and lifting the vehicle to free some of them. Assistant Police Commissioner Dave Waddell said fans performed CPR on two people who were critically injured. A five-year-old child was among those injured and is understood to be in a serious but stable condition.
Professor Louise Newman, a University of Melbourne psychiatry professor and former University of Newcastle academic, said authorities should take a multifaceted approach to support people affected. She said child witnesses were particularly vulnerable and may need reassurance and opportunities to talk with teachers and counsellors. Existing support includes the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511, headspace Newcastle and Newcastle Safe Haven. Professor Newman said a specialised hotline should also be considered.
Wallsend state member Sonia Hornery said the community was hurting and should be directed to support services. Police Minister Yasmin Catley said the crash was shocking and could leave people anxious, distressed or angry, urging those affected to seek help. The alleged driver, Indika Bambrick Samarasinghe, 18, faces nine charges, was refused bail on Sunday and is due back in court on October 15.
