PLEASE NOTE: Bahl is pronounced to rhyme with “karl”
A teenage boy has been charged following an alleged motorhome fire which has left a man in a critical condition in the state’s north last month.
Shortly before 6am on Thursday 29 October 2026, emergency services were called to Fogo Street where they found a motorhome – which was parked on the street – well alight.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District were told a member of the public helped rescue a 69-year-old man from the burning vehicle.
NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the man for burns before he was taken to John Hunter Hospital and later airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital. He remains in a critical condition.
Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the blaze; however, the motorhome was destroyed.
An investigation under Strike Force Bahl was established to investigate the incident.
Following inquiries, about 8am today (Thursday 5 November 2026), detectives – with assistance from officers attached to Northern Region Operations Support Group – attended a home in Wallsend and arrested a 14-year-old boy.
He was taken to Waratah Police Station where he was charged with damage property by fire/explosives greater than $15,000 and reckless grievous bodily harm.
The boy was refused bail and appeared before a children’s court today (Thursday 5 November 2026), where he was further refused bail with his next appearance on Friday 13 November 2026.
