Australia’s Worst Road Accident in Three Decades: What We Know So Far
A week after the deadly bus crash in the New South Wales Hunter Valley, which claimed the lives of 10 people, nine people remain in hospital. The tragedy has sent shock waves across the country, hitting particularly hard in the town of Singleton, home to about 25,000 people, where a number of those who died had lived. Here is what we know so far.
Sunday Night
News of the bus crash began to filter through on Monday morning, after police announced 10 people had died and multiple others were injured at Greta about 11:30 pm on Sunday. It was soon determined there were 36 people on the bus, including the driver, and they were travelling to Singleton from a wedding at winery Wandin Estate. Police said the coach rolled on a roundabout near the Hunter Expressway.
Outpouring of Support
Leaders began responding on Monday morning as the country woke to the news. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told ABC Radio Newcastle the deadly bus crash was a “terrible, terrible tragedy”. NSW Premier Chris Minns visited John Hunter Hospital, where multiple passengers were taken after the crash, on Monday. “The tragic loss of so many lives in a bus crash last night in the Hunter is nothing short of heartbreaking,” he said.
Driver Granted Bail
Bus driver Brett Andrew Button was charged with 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, drive manner dangerous, and negligent driving (occasioning death). He appeared in court on Tuesday and was granted bail with strict conditions. The court heard 10 witnesses had given evidence about “prolonged dangerous driving” before the fatal crash. Magistrate Robyn Richardson acknowledged a “strong” prosecution case for the 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death. But she said refusing an accused bail was not to be used as a “punishment”. The 58-year-old broke down sobbing when the magistrate made her decision.
Identities Revealed
The identities of all 10 wedding guests who died in the crash have been confirmed. Half of them were members of the Singleton Roosters AFL club, including mother and daughter Nadene and Kyah McBride. Nadene coached the Singleton Roosterettes and her daughter played in the team. Andrew Scott and his wife Lynan lived in Singleton and both played for the Singleton Roosters, alongside the bride and groom. Tasmanian man Kane Symons, in his 20s, had been living in Singleton at the time. Rebecca Mullen, a junior medical officer at Newcastle’s Calvary Mater Hospital was among the fatalities. So too was Darcy Bulman, Zach Bray, Tori Cowburn, and Angus Craig.
Community Responds
In the days following the crash, the Hunter Valley community was still trying to process the loss. Many people began leaving tributes, cards, and flowers near the crash site. Churches opened their doors in Singleton, Branxton, Cessnock, and the cathedral in Newcastle to offer space to those who wanted to grieve. The Maitland Saints Australian Football Club launched a blood-donation drive on Wednesday to help support the reeling local community. An online appeal by the Singleton Roosters to raise money for the victims and their families received more than $120,000 in donations in less than 24 hours. It was soon closed after a new fund was announced, co-managed by the state government and Rotary Australia. It raised more than $260,000 in two days, with a $100,000 commitment from the government yet to be added to the tally. Hundreds of people also gathered in near-darkness by the site of the bus crash on Thursday night to remember those who died.
Investigation Ongoing
While a week has passed since the bus crash, the horrific incident is still very raw in the minds of people in the Hunter Valley and beyond. The police investigation is ongoing and expected to take some time. On Thursday, police inspectors joined regulatory heavy vehicle inspectors examining buses from the company linked to the deadly crash, Linq Buslines. Police told the ABC seven defect notices were issued, including one major defect in a bus with a cracked windscreen. In a statement, the bus company said the one major defect found had been rectified and the minor defects were also being rectified in accordance with timelines set by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator. Brett Andrew Button’s next court appearance is on August 9 at Newcastle Local Court.
Conclusion
The deadly bus crash in the New South Wales Hunter Valley has left a deep scar on the community, with many still struggling to come to terms with the loss of loved ones. While the investigation is ongoing, it is clear that something went terribly wrong that night, and it is important that all parties involved are held accountable for their actions. As the community continues to mourn, it is heartening to see the outpouring of support from across the country, with donations pouring in to help those affected by this tragedy. We can only hope that lessons will be learned from this terrible event, and steps taken to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again.
Headings:
– Introduction
– Sunday Night
– Outpouring of Support
– Driver Granted Bail
– Identities Revealed
– Community Responds
– Investigation Ongoing
– Conclusion