Wedding guests killed in Hunter Valley bus crash, driver charged

A tragic accident in the Hunter Valley wine region, north of Sydney, has left at least ten people dead and 15 others hospitalised. The victims were returning from a wedding celebration at a winery on Sunday night when their bus overturned near the town of Greta. Authorities have charged the 58-year-old driver with ten counts of dangerous driving resulting in death and have refused him bail. The newlyweds were not on the bus at the time of the crash.

The crash site in New South Wales remains an active crime scene, with police commissioner Karen Webb stating that forensic officers, crash investigation unit officers, and rescue officers are all present. The accident happened around 11:30pm local time on Sunday, with heavy fog reported in the area. The bus rolled over while navigating a roundabout off a highway.

Acting assistant commissioner Tracy Chapman said the wedding guests were travelling to Singleton, presumably for their accommodation. Two survivors were airlifted from the crash, with local media reporting that at least one remains in critical condition. Some of the injured passengers are being treated at John Hunter Hospital, while others have been flown to Sydney.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his sorrow at the tragic event, stating that it is “so cruel, so sad and so unfair” for a “joyous day in a beautiful place like that to end with such terrible loss of life”. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns called the loss of so many lives “nothing short of heartbreaking”, adding that “for this horrific crash to have occurred on a day that should have been filled with love and happiness only adds to the heartbreak.”

Hunter Valley is a popular destination for wine enthusiasts and group events, known for its vineyards and native bushland. A wedding guest described the day as a “fairy tale” until the news of the accident broke. Police are working to identify the crash victims and contact their next of kin, urging family and friends of those who may have been on board the bus to contact Cessnock Police Station.