Newcastle Knights crash: Chris Clancy speaks from hospital as he recovers from broken collarbone, injured foot
A Newcastle Knights fan has spoken from his hospital bed after a P-Plater allegedly ploughed into supporters gathered to farewell the NRL team ahead of the grand final.
A Newcastle Knights fan has spoken from his hospital bed after a P-Plater allegedly ploughed into supporters gathered to farewell the NRL team ahead of the grand final.
Die-hard fan Chris Clancy was among 10 people injured when an 18-year-old allegedly lost control of a BMW at a roundabout on Newcastle Link Road in Wallsend on Saturday morning.
The 48-year-old suffered a broken collar bone and injuries to his foot, ribs and spine. Speaking about the moment the car careered toward the crowd, Mr Clancy said he feared for his life.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“The car came into the roundabout, and as soon as he got into the roundabout he just put his foot down,” he told Today on Monday morning.
“Whether he was trying to do a burnout or trying to drift … the road was wet, and he lost control.
“He just sideswiped the group of us.
“It makes me feel mad, in a way. We were just out there trying to have a good time and these guys have come along and done that to us.”
Mr Clancy has since received an outpouring of support online from the Knights community and players, including captain Kalyn Ponga, after he took to Instagram to share an update on his condition.
“It was overwhelming. The post was just mainly to let my family know that I was all right,” he said.
“All the Knights players commenting, it’s overwhelming, and good to see that they do care about us Novocastrians, which I knew they did.
“It has been such a testament to the community here.”
Despite the heartbreak of the Knights’ one point loss to the Roosters on Sunday night, Mr Clancy said he was proud his team managed to get so close to securing their first premiership in 25 years.
“With all the stats, they should have been flogged, but they held in there. Their defence was good, it was a good game,” Mr Clancy said.
“Novocastrians always stick together, through thick and thin.”
Six others who were caught-up in the crash remain at John Hunter hospital with varying injuries, five of whom are in a stable condition.
One of the victim’s was a five-year-old girl who’s condition has since stabilised after she was placed in a coma with critical injuries.
Indika Bambrick Samarasinghe, 18, who was allegedly behind the wheel of the car as it ploughed into footy fans, has been refused bail.
He was taken to hospital for mandatory testing and subsequently charged with nine offences, including dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, negligent driving and causing bodily harm by misconduct.
The teenager will next appear at the Newcastle local court on 15 October.
