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Hunter Valley: Ten people killed in wedding 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 25 others are in hospital after a wedding bus crashed in Australia's wine region. | |
Emergency services were called to Wine County Drive near Greta in Hunter Valley, New South Wales (NSW) on Sunday, after reports a coach had rolled over. | |
The driver of the bus, a 58-year-old man, is under arrest at Cessnock police station. | The driver of the bus, a 58-year-old man, is under arrest at Cessnock police station. |
The passengers were returning from a wedding at a local winery. | |
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". | NSW Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Tracy Chapman said the guests were travelling to Singleton "presumably for their accommodation". |
The number of fatalities could increase, with 25 passengers taken to hospital - two of them airlifted from the crash, Ms Chapman said. | |
She added that the bus is still on its side and people could be trapped underneath. | |
Specialist forensic police are examining the scene as part of an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. | 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 coach 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. | "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. |
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". | |
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 guest at the wedding 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. |
Police said they are still working to identify the crash victims and contact their next of kin. | 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. | "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. |
Related Topics | Related Topics |
New South Wales | New South Wales |