The man behind the wheel during Sunday’s fatal bus crash in the Hunter Valley was going too fast to negotiate the roundabout where the accident occurred, according to police.
Ten people died and an additional 25 required hospital treatment after the bus filled with wedding guests tipped over at the roundabout on Wine Country Drive near the Hunter Expressway off ramp at Greta in the mid morning.
As a 58-year-old man waited to face court this morning charged with 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, Acting Assistant Police Commissioner David Waddell told the media that the accused was ‘driving in a manner that was inconsistent with the conditions’.
‘Obviously his speed was too quick for him to negotiate that roundabout causing the vehicle to fall onto its left side,’ Assistant Commissioner Waddell said.
He said Cessnock Council had set up two community crisis centres to help support the family and friends of those involved in the accident, and that police and other first responders were also receiving support.
‘Some of our police and other responders were visibly distraught,’ Assistant Commissioner Waddell said.
‘It was a very chaotic scene.’
Inquiries indicate 36 people were on the bus at the time with 10 passengers declared deceased and 25 passengers transported to hospital via helicopter and road.
Assistant Commissioner Waddell said that, as of Monday night, 12 of the 25 people taken to hospital had now been released.
Of those who remained in hospital, two were in the ICU.
‘Injuries range from lacerations to serious breaks and fractures,’ Assistant Commissioner Waddell said.
‘Ages ranged from people in their 20s to 60s
A large-scale emergency services response was launched in the immediate aftermath of the accident, including officers from Hunter Valley Police District, Police Rescue, Traffic and Highway Patrol, NSW Ambulance paramedics, NSW Fire and Rescue, NSW Rural Fire Service, and various helicopters for hospital transports.
Inquiries indicate 36 people were on the bus at the time with 10 passengers declared deceased and 25 passengers transported to hospital via helicopter and road.
A crime scene was established which was examined by specialist forensic police and officers from the Crash Investigation Unit.
The driver of the bus was taken to hospital under police guard for mandatory testing and assessment.
He was later transferred to Cessnock Police Station where he was charged with ten counts of dangerous driving occasioning death – drive manner dangerous, and negligent driving (occasioning death).
The Maitland man was refused bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court today (Tuesday 13 June 2023).
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash are ongoing.
It is anticipated that road closures and diversions will be protracted, please check www.livetraffic.com prior to travelling.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.
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