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Victim recounts 'showing off' P-plater crash that injured Newcastle Knights fans

Chris Clancy, 48, suffered broken bones and spinal fractures when a car lost control on a wet road during the team's grand final farewell parade

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By LineZotpaper
Published
Updated
Read Time2 min
Sources6 outlets
A Newcastle man who was struck by an out-of-control BMW driven by a P-plater during a farewell parade for the Newcastle Knights rugby league team has described the moment the car came at him so fast he thought he was going to die. Chris Clancy, a foundation Knights supporter, was among tens of thousands of fans lining Newcastle Link Road in Wallsend on Saturday morning when the driver lost control at a roundabout and ploughed into the crowd.

Clancy, 48, an assistant manager at Kennards Hire at Heatherbrae, is being treated at John Hunter Hospital for a broken left collarbone, a fracture in his right foot, broken ribs and small spinal fractures. He was due to undergo surgery on Saturday night or Sunday, though he asked doctors to finish before the NRL grand final kick-off at 7:30pm on Sunday.

He and his two nephews were waiting near the Transfield Drive roundabout when a car driven by a P-plater accelerated through the roundabout. "The guy that was driving the car put his foot down when he got to the roundabout," Clancy told reporters from his hospital bed. "He put his foot down to show off."

The driver lost control on the wet road. "I didn't have time to get out of the way," Clancy said. "No-one had time to move, it happened so fast."

The incident occurred as the Knights team bus made its way to Sydney for the NRL grand final. Multiple people were injured in the crash. Police have not yet commented on whether charges will be laid.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The crash highlights the risks of reckless driving in crowded public spaces, particularly during community celebrations.
  • The victim's injuries and the timing of the surgery show the immediate human cost of such incidents.
  • The case may prompt renewed discussion about driver behaviour around large gatherings and enforcement of road rules.

Background

Newcastle hosted a traditional street farewell for the Knights as they departed for the NRL grand final in Sydney, an event that draws large crowds along the route. The area had experienced rain before the crash, leaving roads wet. A P-plater is a driver on a provisional licence, typically with restrictions on speed and vehicle type. The driver's identity has not been released.

Key Perspectives

Victim Chris Clancy: He described the driver deliberately accelerating to show off, leaving him with significant injuries that require surgery. He has asked doctors to complete the procedure before the grand final, underscoring his dedication to the team. The driver: The P-plater lost control in wet conditions. Whether charges will be filed depends on police investigation into speed, conduct and road conditions. Community: The incident has shocked Knights supporters and the broader Newcastle community, with many expressing concern for the injured and frustration at what they see as avoidable recklessness.

What to Watch

  • Whether police lay charges against the driver, such as dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.
  • Updates on Chris Clancy's surgery and recovery.
  • Any changes to how future farewell events are managed to improve crowd safety.

Sources

newspaper

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Articles published under the Zotpaper byline are synthesized from multiple source publications by our AI editor and reviewed by our editorial process. Each story combines reporting from credible outlets to give readers a balanced, comprehensive view.

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