A bus crash in NSW’s Hunter Valley has resulted in the deaths of at least 10 wedding-goers. The incident occurred when the bus overturned at a roundabout while en route to Singleton at 11:30 pm. The bus has been left in situ as forensic and traffic police piece together the events leading up to the crash. Acting Assistant Commissioner Tracy Chapman has confirmed that 10 people have been confirmed dead, but more fatalities are possible. A total of 25 people were taken to hospital with varying injuries, and officers are yet to discover if more bodies are trapped underneath the wreckage.
The bus overturned at a roundabout on Wine Country Drive as it was entering the Hunter Expressway in Greta, about 50 kilometres north-west of Newcastle. Police understand the passengers were travelling to Singleton after attending a wedding at Wandin Estate at Lovedale, in the Hunter’s popular winery district. The estate is about 10 kilometres away from the roundabout where the crash unfolded.
In a statement, Wandin Estate’s management said they were deeply saddened by the event and that the venue would be closed for Monday. There were more than 30 people on board at the time of the crash. Police have confirmed 10 deaths and say that number could rise. Acting Assistant Commissioner Chapman said 25 people were transported to hospitals in Newcastle, Maitland and Sydney, including two flown to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
Investigations into the incident are still at an early stage, and Acting Assistant Commissioner Chapman did not divulge specific details about what might have caused it. She declined to comment on whether speed could have been a factor, saying it was far too early to tell. There was heavy fog in the region at the time of the single-vehicle crash. The bus driver was taken to hospital for mandatory testing last night and is now under arrest at Cessnock police station.
Police are urging anyone with information about who was on the bus or the crash itself to come forward. Acting Assistant Commissioner Chapman said it was a very confronting scene for first responders and a tragic event for the community. Family and friends of a person who may have been on board the bus are urged to call Cessnock police on 02 4991 0199. Witnesses or anyone with information relevant to the circumstances surrounding the crash should contact Crime Stoppers.
The incident is a tragedy, and the number of family members and the broader community impacted by this cannot be counted. From a policing perspective, our role is to make sure that we undertake a full and thorough investigation to ensure that some comfort may be given to those family members and the public at the conclusion of that investigation and that process.