On Monday, a man was charged with reckless driving after at least ten wedding guests were slain when their bus crashed at a roundabout in Australia's worst bus accident in nearly three decades, according to police.
The crash occurred around 11:30 p.m. (1330 GMT) on Sunday near the community of Greta, approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) northwest of Sydney, according to police.
Driver Arrested in Wedding Bus Crash That Killed 10
The bus transporting 35 passengers veered off the road and overturned at a roundabout following a wedding in the Hunter region, a rural area renowned for its vineyards and wedding venues.
The driver, a 58-year-old male, was taken to the hospital for mandatory substance testing, according to the police. On Tuesday, he is scheduled to appear in court after being denied parole, Reuters reported.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his "deepest condolences" to the families of the deceased and injured. Police are treating it as a single-vehicle accident, and the cause may not be known for some time, according to NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb.
Karen Webb, the police commissioner, stated that the accident site is still an active crime scene. She added, "We have forensics officers processing the crime scene, collision investigation unit officers, and rescue officers on the site."
Tracy Chapman, the acting assistant commissioner of the NSW Police, stated that the visitors were presumably traveling to Singleton for lodging. She added that two of the survivors were evacuated from the collision site. According to local media, at least one of them remains in critical condition.
Australia's Worst Bus Accident in 30 Years
Albanese reported that some of the injured passengers were transported to John Hunter Hospital, while the majority were flown to Sydney. Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns described the loss of so many lives as "heartbreaking."
Hunter Valley in New South Wales is well-known for its vineyards and native vegetation, making it a popular destination for wine enthusiasts, group excursions, and celebrations.
A guest at the wedding described the day prior to the news of the tragedy as a "fairy tale." The police stated that they are still attempting to identify the crash victims and make contact with their families.
"Family and acquaintances of anyone who may have been on the bus are urged to contact the Cessnock Police Station," the police said in a statement.
Keith Wolahan, a legislator from the state of Victoria, stated in a tweet that the bride and groom played for the local cricket, soccer, and netball clubs while growing up in Warrandyte, on the outskirts of Melbourne. It was unknown if they were on the transport.
Wandin Estate stated on Instagram that it was deeply saddened to learn of the overnight bus accident that claimed the lives of some of our visitors. It expressed its "deepest condolences" to the victims' families and friends.
Local lawmaker Clayton Barr characterized the road where the accident occurred as "well-lit" and "well-maintained" with a low-speed limit.
