BMW hits crowd at Knights procession

A car crashed into Newcastle Knights supporters gathered for a grand final farewell at a roundabout on Newcastle Link Road in Wallsend about nine thirty am on Saturday, October third.

Ten injured, one critical condition

Ten people were injured in the crash. One person remains in a critical condition while seven others are in hospital. Three people were discharged after treatment at John Hunter Hospital.

Driver arrested at scene

Eighteen-year-old Indika Bambrick Samarasingh was arrested shortly after the crash. He underwent routine drug and alcohol testing at hospital and was taken to a police station.

Multiple driving charges expected

Indika Bambrick Samarasingh has been charged with multiple driving offences and is expected to front court on Sunday. Police Assistant Commissioner David Waddell said he was likely to be charged.

Not a targeted attack, police say

Thousands of Knights supporters had lined the road to cheer the team bus heading to Olympic Park ahead of Sunday's game. Police said the crash was not a targeted attack.

Witness describes BMW revving before impact

Newcastle Knights fan Dylan Prior was at Wallsend with his daughters and mother. He said a BMW came around the corner revving and ran into a group of people in wet weather conditions.

“A BMW came around the corner, it was revving a bit, and it ran into a group of people.”

Crowd provided first aid and CPR

Police Assistant Commissioner David Waddell said there was angst from the crowd who provided first aid and even CPR to different people. He thanked the crowd for what they did.

“Certainly there was a fair bit of angst there from the crowd who provided first aid and even CPR to different people. We've got to thank the crowd for what they did do.”

Knights captain sends support to injured

Chris Clancy was among the injured supporters. He posted updates on social media about his broken left collarbone requiring surgery and possible sprained or broken right foot. Knights captain Kalyn Ponga responded with support.

“All the best with recovery mate! The team and community are with yas.”

Premier calls incident heartbreaking tragedy

NSW Premier Chris Minns said the incident was heartbreaking and a tragedy that was preventable. Police Minister Yasmin Catley implored drivers to be responsible on the road.

“It's heartbreaking to see fans who were sending off their grand final team involved in such a terrible incident.”

Prime Minister offers assistance

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reached out to Chris Minns to offer assistance. He acknowledged emergency services and police for responding quickly and thanked them for their ongoing work treating the injured.

Crash Investigations Unit examines incident

NSW Police said Newcastle Link Road was closed in both directions but all lanes were later reopened. The Crash Investigations Unit is examining the incident to understand the circumstances.