Grandfather Injured Saving Granddaughters in Crowd Crash
A grandfather sustained multiple leg fractures after pushing his two granddaughters out of the path of a car that veered into a crowd in Newcastle, Australia.
A grandfather has been hailed a hero after suffering multiple fractures to both legs while saving his two young granddaughters from a car that plowed into a crowd of Newcastle Knights fans.
Dave 'The Barber' Martin, a longtime supporter of the rugby league team, was with his granddaughters on Saturday morning to see the Knights' team bus depart for a grand final match. He was reportedly struck by a gold BMW after pushing the children to safety.
The vehicle, allegedly driven by an 18-year-old P-plate driver, hit at least 10 people, including Mr. Martin, two five-year-old girls, and a two-year-old child. Another man sustained a broken collarbone.
MARTIN, 67, underwent an eight-hour surgery at John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle and is currently recovering. His granddaughters were hospitalized overnight but are reported by their family to be in good spirits.
The incident occurred at the Newcastle Link Road, at the Transfield Drive roundabout in Wallsend, a suburb in western Newcastle where Mr. Martin operated his barber shop for many years. He had recently closed his shop, which displayed Knights memorabilia.
MARTIN'S daughter, Luce-Mae Martin, initiated a GoFundMe to support her father's recovery, citing requests from community members wishing to help. The funds are intended to cover travel, accommodation, meals, and other expenses.
The alleged driver, 18-year-old Indika Bambrick Samarasinghe, was arrested at the scene and charged with nine offenses, including three counts each of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, and causing bodily harm by misconduct in charge of a motor vehicle.
Samarasinghe did not apply for bail, which was formally refused. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 15 at Newcastle Local Court.
Newcastle Mayor Gavin Morris addressed the incident in a video posted to Instagram, stating that the community's thoughts are with those affected. He provided an update on a five-year-old girl who had been in critical condition, reporting that she is now stable after a difficult period.