Australia car crash injures 10 rugby fans in Newcastle

An 18-year-old man, Indika Bambrick Samarasinghe, has been charged after a car struck a crowd of rugby league fans in Wallsend, near Newcastle, Australia. The incident occurred on Saturday morning as supporters had gathered to farewell the Newcastle Knights ahead of their NRL grand final appearance.

Ten people, including children as young as two, were injured in the crash. Among the victims was a five-year-old girl who suffered head injuries and broken bones, requiring her to be placed in an induced coma; she is reported to be in serious but stable condition. Other injuries included fractures to the ribs, spine, and feet. As of Monday, six patients had been discharged, while others remained in hospital.

Samarasinghe faces multiple charges, including dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, negligent driving, and causing bodily harm by misconduct. Court records indicate his driving licence had been suspended earlier this year. Investigators do not believe the incident was deliberate. Samarasinghe appeared in court on Sunday, where bail was formally refused. He is scheduled to appear in court again on October 15.