A bus driver charged over a fatal crash which killed 10 people and left 25 injured in the NSW Hunter Valley region will face court on Monday, as police allege he was driving “inconsistent with conditions”.
Brett Andrew Button, 58, will front Cessnock Local Court charged with 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death – drive manner dangerous, and negligent driving causing death.
Emergency services were called to the roundabout on Wine Country Dr, near the Hunter Expressway off ramp, at Greta about 11.30pm on Sunday after reports a coach had rolled.
Acting Assistant NSW Police Commissioner David Waddell told reporters on Tuesday morning that police will allege the driver entered the roundabout in a “manner that was inconsistent with the conditions”.
“Obviously, the speed was too quick for him to negotiate that roundabout, causing the vehicle to fall onto its left side and cause those injuries,” he said.
A large-scale emergency response involving six separate agencies including police, fire, and ambulance was sent to the crash site, including multiple helicopters for hospital transport.
Police believe at least 36 people were on the bus at the time with 10 passengers declared deceased at the scene, while another 25 people were transported to hospital via helicopter and road.
The bus was carrying guests following the wedding of newly-married couple Mitchell Gaffney and Maddy Edsell at the nearby Wandin Estate winery, and was on its way to Singleton.
The crash was quickly declared one of the worst in the nation’s history with a crime scene established shortly after, while specialist crash investigators were brought in to assess the scene.
Mr Button, who lives in Maitland, was taken to hospital under police guard for mandatory testing and assessment before being remanded into custody after being refused bail.
On Monday, 15 people remained in hospital, with the majority being treated at John Hunter Hospital.
One patient at that hospital is in a critical but stable condition.
A further eight are in a stable condition, with two patients transferred from Maitland Hospital.
There are three patients in a stable condition at Maitland.
A further two patients in a stable condition in the Royal Prince Alfred and one at Calvary Mater Newcastle.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash are ongoing.