The head of the NSW Minerals Council has expressed his condolences to the friends, family, and community impacted by the Hunter Valley bus crash, which took the lives of 10 people.
“On behalf of the NSW mining industry, the NSW Minerals Council expresses its sincere condolences to all who have been impacted by this terrible tragedy,” the council’s chief executive officer, Stephen Galilee, said in a media release.
“From what is known already, and as more details emerge in the days ahead, many people across the mining communities of Singleton, Muswellbrook and beyond will be coming to terms with the loss of family members, friends, neighbours and work colleagues.
“In particular, our thoughts are with those from the mining workforce and their families who have suffered the loss or injury of loved ones.
“Our member companies are working to provide support for our people across the local mining workforce at this difficult time.
“We will also continue to liaise with local leaders to support the mining communities of the Hunter where so many of our people and their families live.”
A bus carrying 35 passengers from a wedding overturned in the Hunter Valley close to midnight on Sunday. Tragically, 10 people were killed in the accident, with many more hospitalised.
The driver at the centre of it all, Brett Button, has been charged with 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death.
It is alleged that Button was making remarks such as “if you think that was fast… watch this” in the lead up to the crash.
Button headed to the Cessnock Local Court for a bail application this morning, where the court head that 10 witnesses have given evidence to the police about “prolonged dangerous driving” before the deadly crash.
Button was granted bail with conditions. The investigation, and the case, is ongoing.