A tragic incident occurred when a bus carrying wedding guests crashed, resulting in the loss of 10 lives and injuries to 11 individuals. The incident prompted a remarkable response from first responders. An off-duty paramedic, who arrived at the scene first, immediately began providing medical aid to the injured. The gravity of the situation necessitated the deployment of seven rescue helicopters, which transported the injured individuals to various hospitals in the Hunter region, including Maitland Hospital and John Hunter Hospital.
Preliminary information suggests that the bus, which had departed from a nearby wedding venue, was ferrying guests back to their accommodations while others intended to continue the festivities at a nearby location. Tragically, the bus driver lost control of the vehicle, leading to the crash. The exact cause of the accident remains unknown, and ongoing investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Emergency services remain at the scene of a fatal bus crash, where multiple people have died, and more than 10 others were injured in the state’s Hunter region overnight.
Just after 11.30pm (Sunday 11 June 2023), emergency services were called to the roundabout on Wine Country Drive near the Hunter Expressway off ramp at Greta, after reports a coach had rolled.
A large-scale emergency response commenced involving 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.
Initial inquiries indicate 10 people have died. 11 people were transported to hospital via helicopter and road, and 18 passengers are uninjured.
The driver of the bus – a 58-year-old man – was taken to hospital under police guard for mandatory testing and assessment.
A crime scene has been established, which will be examined by specialist forensic police and the Crash Investigation Unit.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash has commenced.
It is anticipated that road closures and diversions will be protracted, please check www.livetraffic.com prior to travelling.
Further information will be provided when it becomes available.