A tragic incident occurred in the NSW Hunter region overnight, resulting in the death of 10 people and more than 20 injured. The bus was carrying 36 passengers, including the driver, from a wedding at Wandin Estate in Lovedale to Singleton when it rolled over at a roundabout on Wine Country Drive. The incident occurred just after 11:30 pm on Sunday as the bus was entering the Hunter Expressway in Greta. The bride and groom were not on the bus at the time of the accident.
Patients were taken to various hospitals across the Hunter region and Sydney. Some of the injured have been discharged, while others remain in hospital. As of 10 am Monday 12 June, one patient is in critical condition, and eight patients are in stable condition at John Hunter Hospital. Five patients are in stable condition at Maitland Hospital, five patients are in stable condition at Calvary Mater Newcastle, and two patients are in stable condition at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
The 58-year-old bus driver from Maitland was taken to the hospital under police guard for mandatory testing and assessment. He has been charged with 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death – drive manner dangerous and negligent driving (occasioning death). The location is still an active crime scene, with crash investigation officers and forensic personnel on site.
The bus, which had been left intact and on its side since the incident, was moved earlier today. Footage from the scene showed straps attached to the vehicle, and several trucks were pulling it upright. Rescue officers have begun the difficult task of removing bodies from inside the vehicle.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said that it was a tragic situation and that highway patrol and other officers were assisting. She added that it was a complex scene, and the most challenging part of the job for police now was accounting for the victims and passengers on the bus. She said that people had been transported to different locations and then rediverted, which complicated the task. She acknowledged that family members might feel frustrated by the process and think it was taking too long. She urged families to contact Cessnock if they had concerns.
The Maitland man has been refused bail and is due to appear at Cessnock Local Court tomorrow.