SYDNEY - A chartered bus carrying wedding guests veers off ramp, claiming 10 lives and injuring 25 individuals. The accident took place near Greta, a town located approximately 180 km northwest of Sydney, renowned for its vineyards and wedding destinations. NSW Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Tracy Chapman mentioned in a televised media briefing that the passengers were likely traveling together after attending a wedding, possibly heading towards their accommodations.
Authorities believe the incident was a single-vehicle accident, according to Chapman. The police are working on identifying all the passengers involved in the tragedy. Media footage displayed the overturned bus, with reports suggesting that some individuals might still be trapped underneath. The bus driver, a 58-year-old man, has been apprehended and is anticipated to face charges related to the accident. He has been transported to a hospital for mandatory testing for alcohol and drugs.
The cause of the tragic road accident, which is the deadliest in Australia in nearly three decades, is yet to be determined, although heavy fog was present in the area at the time, according to Chapman. Australia has previously witnessed two major bus accidents in NSW state, both head-on collisions in 1989 that claimed the lives of 35 and 21 individuals respectively. Another incident in 1973 resulted in the deaths of 18 people when a tourist bus lost control due to brake failure and went down a slope.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese extended his heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the accident, describing the incident as "cruel, sad, and unfair." He emphasized the joyous nature of weddings and expressed sorrow that such a joyful occasion ended in such tragic loss and injury. Local residents gathered at the accident site to pay their respects and lay flowers.
Kim Greko expressed shock and disbelief upon learning about the accident, stating that it hit too close to home and turned what should have been one of the happiest days of people's lives into a tragic event. The Wandin Valley Estate winery, where the wedding took place, remained closed on Monday, a public holiday, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corp (ABC). The vineyard released a statement expressing deep sadness over the bus crash and the loss of some of their guests.