What was intended to be a joyous occasion ended in tragedy when a chartered bus carrying guests from a wedding overturned, resulting in the deaths of ten people and injuries to 25 others.
The bus had been hired to transport 53 attendees back to their hotels following the wedding reception. Unfortunately, it crashed at a roundabout on Wine Country Drive in the town of Greta, Australia shortly after 11:30 p.m.
The driver was apprehended at the scene, according to New South Wales Police Assistant Commissioner Tracy Chapman, and was later charged with ten counts of dangerous driving resulting in death. Although Chapman did not comment on whether speed was a factor in the accident on the foggy road, she said that there was sufficient information to support the charges.
The guests had been celebrating at the Wandin Estate Winery in New South Wales and were on their way to their rooms in Singleton when the bus overturned, Chapman revealed. The injured victims were transported to nearby hospitals.
Eighteen passengers who were aboard the bus during the crash were unharmed.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his condolences and offered government assistance to the victims and their families. Albanese noted the cruel and unfortunate nature of the tragedy, emphasizing the irony that the bus had been hired to ensure the safety of the guests and prevent drunk driving.
The incident occurred in Hunter Valley, a region renowned for its picturesque vineyards and its popularity as a wedding destination. One attendee, when interviewed, described the wedding ceremony as a “fairytale.” Footage from the scene showed the overturned bus resting on its side on top of a mangled guardrail. Locals paid tribute to the victims by leaving flowers at the crash site.
