A tragic incident occurred in the renowned Hunter Valley wine region of Australia, where a wedding bus crash claimed the lives of at least 10 individuals, with an additional 25 individuals currently receiving medical treatment in hospitals.
The passengers, who had attended a wedding ceremony at a local winery, were on their way back when the unfortunate accident transpired, causing the bus to overturn.
Law enforcement authorities have taken action by pressing charges against the 58-year-old bus driver, accusing them of 10 counts of dangerous driving leading to fatalities. Authorities are still in the process of positively identifying the deceased victims.
Fortunately, the newly-wedded couple was not aboard the ill-fated bus during the incident.
Police commissioner Karen Webb said the site of the crash is “still an active crime scene”. “We’ve got forensics officers processing the crime scene, we’ve got crash investigation unit officers, we’ve got rescue officers [on scene],” she added.
Tragedy struck at approximately 23:30 local time [13:30 GMT] as heavy fog engulfed the area, resulting in a devastating accident. According to the police, the incident occurred when the wedding bus attempted to negotiate a turn at a roundabout off a highway in Hunter Valley. The bus rolled over due to the circumstances, causing significant damage. Authorities have successfully managed to upright the vehicle.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Tracy Chapman of the NSW Police revealed that the passengers were en route to Singleton, presumably heading towards their accommodations. Among the survivors, two individuals required emergency airlifts from the crash site. Reports from local media suggest that one of the survivors remains in critical condition, underscoring the severity of the incident.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it is “so cruel, so sad and so unfair” for a “joyous day in a beautiful place like that to end with such terrible loss of life”.
“People hire a bus for weddings in order to keep their guests safe, and that just adds to the unimaginable nature of this tragedy,” he said at a press conference in Canberra.
Mr Albanese said some of the injured passengers are at John Hunter Hospital, but many have been flown to Sydney.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said the loss of so many lives was “nothing short of heartbreaking”, adding: “For this horrific crash to have occurred on a day that should have been filled with love and happiness only adds to the heartbreak.”
“For a day of joy to end in such devastating loss is cruel indeed. Our thoughts are also with those who have been injured,” he said.
Hunter Valley in New South Wales is known for its vineyards and native bushland, making it a popular spot for wine lovers and group outings or celebrations.
A guest at the wedding said the day had been a “fairy tale” until news of the accident broke.
“We all started panicking,” he told 7 News.
Police said they are still working to identify the crash victims and contact their next of kin.
“Family and friends of a person who may have been on board the bus are urged to contact Cessnock Police Station,” they said in a statement.