The Tasmanian lifesaving community have been left “heartbroken” by the death of Kane Symons, better known as “superman”, who was one of 10 wedding guests killed in the Hunter Valley bus crash.
A 58 year old driver has been charged following the horror bus crash in the Hunter Valley which claimed the lives of ten people.
The bus driver has been charged with ten counts of dangerous driving occasioning death and negligent driving occasioning death.
He has been refused bail and will remain in custody at Cessnock Police Station overnight before his first court appearance tomorrow.
Kane Symons, who was from Tasmania and aged in his early 20s, was one of 10 people to die in the bus crash after attending the wedding of Madeleine Edsell and Mitchell Gaffney on Sunday night.
Mr Symons was deemed “unaccounted for” after the coach transporting wedding guests back to Singleton crashed at a roundabout on Wine Country Drive in Greta.
Carlton Park Surf Lifesaving Club paid tribute to the former member and star athlete on Tuesday, saying it was left “heartbroken” by the news.
“CPSLSC are heartbroken to hear of the tragic passing of Kane Symons in the Hunter Valley bus tragedy,” club president Christine Gaby wrote.
“We send our love and support to Steve, Sarn and Jaimie. Kane, otherwise known as ‘Superman’, was an amazing athlete who competed at the highest level.
“But more than that he was a leader, a great bloke and a mate to many. We adored him and he will be truly missed.”
Comments flooded in from other lifesaving clubs around Tasmania, with many sending their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr Symons.
Clifton Beach Surf Life Saving Club wrote: “So sad to hear of this. Kane was admired by everyone here at Clifton and formed some great friendships with a number of our members. Love and support to CPSLSC and to his family.”
Kingston Beach Surf Life Saving Club added: “A life taken too soon. On behalf of the KBSLSC, we send the Symons family and the Carlton community our dear condolences.”
“Kane was a young man who could light the beach up with his smile and humour and the Tassie surf community will miss his friendship,” the comment continued.
Devonport Surf Life Saving Club also wrote: “Such a tragedy. Sending our love and condolences to the Symons family and our Carlton Park clubbies. Wrapping our arms around you all.”
Among the 10 victims killed in the crash was Mr Symons’ partner Kyah McBride and her mother Nadene.
The other victims reported by The Daily Telegraph include husband and wife Andrew and Lynan Scott from Singleton, Zachary Bray from Byron Bay, Angus Craig from Queensland, Darcy Bulman from Melbourne, as well as Tori Cowburn and Rebecca Mullen from Singleton.
Police on Tuesday stressed the victims had not yet been forensically identified.
NSW Premier Chris Minns told Sky News Australia on Tuesday morning there had been no new casualties to report.
The death toll remains at 10, with 14 people still being treated for their injuries across four hospitals.
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When questioned whether it seemed like those hospitalised will pull through, the Premier said: “It looks that way.”
“We’ve got eight that are in stable condition at John Hunter Hospital, one in critical but stable condition, two at the RPA, one at the Calvary Hospital in Newcastle and two at Maitland Hospital in stable condition,” Mr Minns said.
The driver behind the wheel of the deadly bus crash has been given strict bail in court, as a judge recognised his “suffering” too.
Brett Andrew Button, 58, fronted Cessnock Local Court on Tuesday morning handcuffed alongside his wife and his mother who were there to support him.
He applied for bail after spending the night in custody charged with ten counts of dangerous driving occasioning death and one count of negligent driving occasioning death following the crash.