Hunter Expressway, Singleton. Source: Advanstra, Wikimedia Commons
A bus driver has been arrested after a bus crash in Hunter Valley killed 10 people and hospitalised 25.
Emergency services were called to Wine Country Drive at Greta just after 11:30pm last night.
It is believed that those onboard the bus were travelling to Singleton from a wedding at Wandin Estate, a winery venue.
Cessnock mayor Jay Suvaal told ABC News, “We’re still waiting for further details to come to light as the investigations continue. We don’t know the circumstances around the crash at the moment.”
“But it does appear it was a wedding-chartered bus that had been coming from a wedding earlier that day.”
The bus overturned and rolled on a roundabout near the Hunter Expressway, according to police.
Police said that 10 people have died, but that number could rise as 25 were taken to different hospitals.
The bus driver, a 58-year-old man, was taken to hospital under police guard for mandatory assessment and has since been arrested.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Tracy Chapman said that the bus remains on its side, and there is a possibility that some people may still be trapped under it.
“From a policing perspective, our role is to make sure we undertake a full and thorough investigation to ensure that some comfort may be given to those family members and the public at the conclusion of the investigation and that process,” Chapman said.
Victim identifications are still underway, and as far as police are aware there were no children on board the bus.
Chapman said charges against the driver are pending.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his sympathies online this morning, tweeting, “For a day of joy to end in such devastating loss is cruel indeed.”
“Our thoughts are also with those who have been injured.”
