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Hunter Valley: Ten people killed in bus crash in Australia Hunter Valley: Ten people killed in wedding bus crash in Australia
(32 minutes later)
At least 10 people have died and more than 10 others injured in a bus crash in Australia's wine region. At least 10 people have died and 25 others are in hospital after a wedding bus crash in Australia's wine region.
Emergency services were called to Wine County Drive in Hunter Valley, New South Wales (NSW) on Sunday, after reports a coach had rolled over.Emergency services were called to Wine County Drive in Hunter Valley, New South Wales (NSW) on Sunday, after reports a coach had rolled over.
Police said 11 people have been taken to hospital, while another 18 passengers on board were unharmed. The driver of the bus, a 58-year-old man, is under arrest at Cessnock police station.
The bus is believed to have been returning from a wedding at a nearby wine estate.The bus is believed to have been returning from a wedding at a nearby wine estate.
"We are still waiting for further details to come to light" Jay Suvaal, the mayor of nearby Cessnock, told ABC.
"It does appear that it was a wedding chartered bus."
The Hunter region is known for its vineyards and native bushland, making it a popular spot for wine tourists and group outings.The Hunter region is known for its vineyards and native bushland, making it a popular spot for wine tourists and group outings.
NSW Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Tracy Chapman said the guests were travelling to Singleton "presumably for their accommodation".
She said two of the 25 people injured had been airlifted to hospital.
The number of fatalities could increase as the bus is still on its side and people could be trapped underneath, Ms Chapman said.
Specialist forensic police are examining the scene as part of an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Ms Chapman said there was "sufficient information" to charge the driver.
"He's under arrest. He's been the driver of a motor vehicle collision where there have been fatal injuries and there will be charges pending," she said.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sent his condolences to the loved ones of those killed in the "horrific" tragedy.Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sent his condolences to the loved ones of those killed in the "horrific" tragedy.
"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."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.
A wedding guest said the day had been a "fairy tale" until news of the accident broke. 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."We all started panicking," he told 7 News.
The driver of the bus, a 58-year-old man, was taken to hospital under police guard for mandatory testing. Police said they are still working to identify the crash victims and contact their next of kin.
NSW police have launched a investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. "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.
"A crime scene has been established, which will be examined by specialist forensic police and the crash investigation unit," police said in a statement.
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