The bus overturned within the New South Wales Hunter area close to Greta, because it was ferrying company again from a close-by wedding ceremony, at about 11.30pm. Police have arrested the driving force.
Wandin Valley Estate, the place the marriage was held, will keep closed at present.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the bus crash overnight that has claimed the lives of some of our guests,” the homeowners stated in a press release.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the victims and we are supporting them in any way we can.
“At this time, we’re offering assist to these company who want our assist and we want to preserve their privateness and will not be making any additional statements right now.”
Local woman Nicky Ainley said it was “actually tragic”.
The first inkling she had that something had happened was the sound of helicopters, which woke her at about 1am.
“There was very thick, heavy fog, however you can see helicopters circling round with spotlights,” she said.
“Already the group on social media have been interacting, saying clearly ‘that is horrific’, and ‘one thing had occurred.'”
She said the tragedy was “heartbreaking” for the small community.
The roundabout where the crash occurred was used daily by many locals, she said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said all Australians sent their “deepest sympathies” to victims’ loved ones.
“For a day of pleasure to finish in such devastating loss is merciless certainly,” Albanese wrote on Twitter.
“Our ideas are additionally with those that have been injured.”
Albanese also thanked first responders, and the medical and emergency workers who continued to deal with the fallout of the crash.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also expressed his sorrow.
“As Australians awake to the horrific news of the bus crash within the Hunter Valley, our hopes are with these injured and our hearts break for the households and mates who’ve misplaced family members final evening,” he said.
“A horrible tragedy after the enjoyment of a marriage.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns said it was a “profoundly tragic occasion”.
“I do know the entire group of NSW, and particularly the folks of the Hunter, will likely be shocked and saddened to get up to this news at present,” he said.
“I thank our emergency providers personnel and businesses for his or her unbelievable response in a single day and at present – NSW Police, NSW Ambulance, NSW Fire and Rescue, NSW Health and Transport for NSW.
“Support is being offered to those impacted by this tragedy.”
Cessnock MP Clayton Barr provided his sympathies to the primary responders, together with firefighters and paramedics.
“There is a bunch of emergency service workers out there who will put their head down on the pillow at some stage today, and need to deal with this,” he stated.
“Not to mention the great tragedy for everybody on board the bus who clearly all knew each other.”
Cessnock Mayor Jay Suvaal stated it was “absolutely horrific” news.
“My thoughts are obviously with the people involved in the accident, but their families and friends as well as the first responders on the scene, because it must have been truly horrible for them as well,” he stated.
He stated it will ship “shockwaves” by way of the group.
“We are a close-knit community, and there will be massive showings of support I would imagine throughout the day,” he stated.
Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison posted concerning the tragedy on Facebook.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones involved in the tragedy in the Hunter overnight,” she stated.
NSW Transport Management Centre govt director Craig Moran stated it was a “horrible, tragic occasion”.
He stated he would not like to take a position on the potential causes of the crash with the police investigation underway.
The bus overturned at a roundabout on Wine Country Drive close to the Hunter Expressway off-ramp at Greta.
“It’s not a problem location that we’re aware of, and I guess all of that will come out in a matter of course with the police investigation,” Moran advised Today.
Australian Medical Association Queensland president Dr Maria Boulton praised the primary responders who have been referred to as to the “awful” crash website.
“This will have an effect, especially when people live and work in the same community and you know they may know that people may have passed away, and our thoughts are with all of them,” she stated.
Hunter Valley bus crash: What we all know
- A bus carrying company from a marriage within the NSW Hunter area overturned at about 11.30pm.
- At least 10 folks have been confirmed useless, and an additional 25 have been taken to hospital.
- The driver, a 58-year-old man, is beneath arrest.
- Police proceed to work on figuring out everyone who was on board the bus.
Source: www.9news.com.au
