Source : Perth Now news
A Newcastle Knights fan who was injured after an 18-year-old P-plater allegedly lost control of a car and ploughed into a crowd has revealed the extent of his injuries from hospital as two others continue to fight for their lives.
Ten people were injured when a BMW sedan entered a crowd gathered on Newcastle Link Road at Wallsend about 9.30am on Saturday, turning what should have been a day of celebration into horror.
Police said about 1000 people were gathered in the area when the crash occurred, while tens of thousands of supporters had lined the Knights’ route towards the M1.
Assistant Commissioner David Waddell said police allege the young driver was driving erratically before losing control.
“Unfortunately, a young 18-year-old P-plater driving erratically has lost control of the vehicle and gone into the crowd,” he said.
“We have a five-year-old girl with serious critical injuries. We have a 67-year-old man with critical injuries. Two other children with injuries and another group of people between the ages of 20 and 60 who are all injured and in hospital with varying injuries.”
All 10 patients were taken to John Hunter Hospital, with the remaining eight suffering non-life-threatening injuries.
Driver arrested after horror crash
The 18-year-old driver was arrested following the crash and taken for mandatory drug and alcohol testing.
Two other people had been inside the vehicle at the time, with police moving them away from the scene after anger erupted among the crowd.
“The male has been arrested. There was two other persons in the car. We had them out of there because the crowd did turn on them,” Assistant Commissioner Waddell said.
“We have taken that male to for mandatory drug and alcohol testing. He has now been taken to the police station where he will be dealt with and likely charged later on today.”
Police stressed the incident was not believed to have been deliberate or targeted, with the Crash Investigation Unit now investigating exactly what happened.
Bystanders rushed forward in the immediate aftermath, with some providing first aid and CPR to the injured.
“Certainly there was a fair bit of angst there from the crowd who and provided first aid and even CPR to, to different people,” Assistant Commissioner Waddell said.
“So we’ve got to thank the crowd for what they did do.”
Players get behind the injured
Knights’ fan Chris Clancy posted to Instagram claiming he had broken his collarbone and was being assessed for a “sprained or broken right foot” after the accident on Saturday.
“Hi all, just letting you know myself, Tom and Matt were injured in the accident with the Newcastle supporters this morning,” he said to his followers.
“Tom has a graze on his left elbow but has been discharged all ready to go to the grand final tomorrow. Matt is still under observation but will more than likely be discharged soon with a graze and bit of bruising on his back.
“I have a broken left collarbone which requires surgery and may have a possible sprained or broken right foot. I will be JJH for a couple of days but will let you all know.”
“UP THE KNIGHTS 💙❤️💙❤️💙❤️”
Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga was one of several players to comment on his post, stating: “All the best with recovery mate! The team and community are with yas.”
‘A split-second decision’
The crash unfolded as the Knights prepared to leave Newcastle for Sydney ahead of the NRL grand final.
Police had been preparing to escort the team bus along the route, with a traffic and highway patrol officer stationed at the intersection where the crash occurred.
The bus had not yet left the stadium and was later diverted away from the scene.
NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said what should have been a celebration had instead become a devastating start to the long weekend.
“It’s been a horrific start to the long weekend and what should have been a day of celebration for the Newcastle Knights has turned into a situation where 10 people have been injured and two of those critically,” she said.
“It’s just hard to imagine a thousand people were at the site and one person made a decision that in a split second has put everyone at risk.”
Emergency crews mounted a massive response, with about a dozen ambulances and three helicopters sent to the scene.
NSW Ambulance said bystanders had also played an important role in helping emergency crews.
“We did get a lot of bystander support during this incident and it made our job, you know, carrying out emergency service a lot easier as a result,” an ambulance spokesperson said.
Chris Minns speaks out
NSW Premier Chris Minns said the crash was a heartbreaking blow for a city that had united behind its grand final team.
“Emergency services are on the ground in Newcastle after a serious traffic incident involving pedestrians.
“It’s heartbreaking to see fans who were sending off their grand final team involved in such a terrible incident.
“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.
“As large numbers of fans and families make their way down to Sydney for the grand final, please drive safely and take caution on roads.
“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.”
Newcastle Mayor Gavin Morris earlier said the crash had instantly transformed the mood of a city that had spent the week celebrating.
“It has it’s all gone in a moment hasn’t it. It was an extraordinary week. One of the most magical weeks in Newcastle’s history,” he said.
“And I believe now we will come together again in a new way. We’ll come together for the families and those injured, but we’ll come together also for the Knights.”
“We’ll do what we do best as Novacastrians and we’ll come together for each other.”
Police investigations are continuing.
