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15 June 2023
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10 people killed in Hunter Valley bus crash, Australia
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Ten people have been killed in a bus rollover in NSW's Hunter Valley last night, as the bus was driving guests to accommodation after a wedding on Sunday, 11 June 2023. The crash is one of the deadliest in Australia's history. Emergency services were called to the crash site at about 23h30 at a roundabout on Wine Country Drive near Greta after reports the coach had rolled. Police Commissioner Karen Webb said 36 people were on the bus, including the 10 who had died. Police later said 25 people were taken to hospital, including two who needed airlifting. NSW Health reported 21 people were being treated across four different hospitals.
One person is in critical condition at John Hunter Hospital, where eight others are stable, while five patients are in stable condition at Maitland Hospital, five are stable at Calvary Mater Newcastle, and two patients are in stable condition at Sydney's Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
A senior NSW Ambulance officer told Seven News the magnitude of the accident had been confronting for first responders. "Whilst they are paramedics every day of their lives, something like this is not a job that they go to every day," she said. "I'm incredibly proud of all the paramedics that attended. They did a fantastic job under the circumstances, and no doubt they will be reflecting and we will have the right support there for them."
The bus had been travelling north from a wedding reception at Lovedale, around 10km from the crash site, to the town of Singleton.
An investigation into the crash has started following a large-scale emergency response involving local police, rescue squad and highway patrol officers, ambulance paramedics, NSW Fire and Rescue and the Rural Fire Service. The bus had only been turned right-side-up from its side around 15h00.
The 58-year-old bus driver was taken to hospital under police guard for mandatory testing and assessment. He was then arrested and taken to Cessnock police station. The man was charged with ten counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, drive manner dangerous and negligent driving (occasioning death), according to NSW Police. The Maitland man was refused bail and is set to appear at Cessnock Local Court on Tuesday, the police said.
Police Commissioner Webb said the driver is "currently in the charging process" but did not state what the charges might be. She praised the police and other emergency workers.
The NSW member for Hunter, Daniel Repacholi, said there were roadworks, a lot of land development around the crash site, and foggy conditions. "The whole area was very busy, there was festivals happening all over the area but, you know, it's now coming to terms with what has happened. It really is a tragic accident," he said.
A crime scene has been established, which will be examined by specialist forensic police and the force's Crash Investigation Unit.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Tracy Chapman said it was a single-vehicle collision, and no children were involved in the crash. Chapman said she understands a number of people who survived the crash were able to free themselves and walk to get help.
Speaking from Greta, NSW Premier Chris Minns said the crash was "truly shocking to the people of New South Wales". "Whatever the final toll is in this terrible accident, it will be more than we can bear," he said. "The next few days and weeks may be worse than the initial shock, as it fully comes to realisation of what this community has gone through."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese thanked first responders and those continuing to assist with the tragedy. "All of us know the joy of going to a wedding, a chance to celebrate dear friends and family. They are some of the happiest times that you can have," he said at a press conference.
The Hunter Valley is a popular wine region and wedding destination around 170km from Sydney and was reportedly busy over a long weekend in the state.
Sources: SBS News, ABC News
One person is in critical condition at John Hunter Hospital, where eight others are stable, while five patients are in stable condition at Maitland Hospital, five are stable at Calvary Mater Newcastle, and two patients are in stable condition at Sydney's Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
A senior NSW Ambulance officer told Seven News the magnitude of the accident had been confronting for first responders. "Whilst they are paramedics every day of their lives, something like this is not a job that they go to every day," she said. "I'm incredibly proud of all the paramedics that attended. They did a fantastic job under the circumstances, and no doubt they will be reflecting and we will have the right support there for them."
The bus had been travelling north from a wedding reception at Lovedale, around 10km from the crash site, to the town of Singleton.
An investigation into the crash has started following a large-scale emergency response involving local police, rescue squad and highway patrol officers, ambulance paramedics, NSW Fire and Rescue and the Rural Fire Service. The bus had only been turned right-side-up from its side around 15h00.
The 58-year-old bus driver was taken to hospital under police guard for mandatory testing and assessment. He was then arrested and taken to Cessnock police station. The man was charged with ten counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, drive manner dangerous and negligent driving (occasioning death), according to NSW Police. The Maitland man was refused bail and is set to appear at Cessnock Local Court on Tuesday, the police said.
Police Commissioner Webb said the driver is "currently in the charging process" but did not state what the charges might be. She praised the police and other emergency workers.
The NSW member for Hunter, Daniel Repacholi, said there were roadworks, a lot of land development around the crash site, and foggy conditions. "The whole area was very busy, there was festivals happening all over the area but, you know, it's now coming to terms with what has happened. It really is a tragic accident," he said.
A crime scene has been established, which will be examined by specialist forensic police and the force's Crash Investigation Unit.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Tracy Chapman said it was a single-vehicle collision, and no children were involved in the crash. Chapman said she understands a number of people who survived the crash were able to free themselves and walk to get help.
Speaking from Greta, NSW Premier Chris Minns said the crash was "truly shocking to the people of New South Wales". "Whatever the final toll is in this terrible accident, it will be more than we can bear," he said. "The next few days and weeks may be worse than the initial shock, as it fully comes to realisation of what this community has gone through."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese thanked first responders and those continuing to assist with the tragedy. "All of us know the joy of going to a wedding, a chance to celebrate dear friends and family. They are some of the happiest times that you can have," he said at a press conference.
The Hunter Valley is a popular wine region and wedding destination around 170km from Sydney and was reportedly busy over a long weekend in the state.
Sources: SBS News, ABC News
