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 was commissioned to transport 53 guests from the wedding reception back to their hotels. Tragically, the accident occurred on a roundabout at Wine Country Drive, in the town of Greta, Australia just past 11:30 p.m.
The driver was detained at the accident scene, confirmed New South Wales Police Assistant Commissioner Tracy Chapman. He was subsequently charged with ten counts of dangerous driving causing death. Chapman refrained from commenting on whether excessive speed contributed to the crash on the fog-enshrouded road but confirmed enough evidence supported the charges.
The party attendees had just left the Wandin Estate Winery in New South Wales and were heading towards their accommodations in Singleton when the mishap occurred, shared Chapman. The injured were taken to local hospitals for treatment.
A total of 18 guests aboard the bus during the accident escaped without injuries.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese offered his sympathies and pledged government support to the affected victims and their families. He highlighted the ironic nature of the accident, noting that the bus was rented to ensure guest safety and discourage drunk driving.
The accident took place in Hunter Valley, a scenic area renowned for its vineyards and frequented for wedding ceremonies. A guest described the wedding ceremony as a “fairytale.”
Footage from the accident scene showed the bus turned on its side atop a wrecked guardrail. Locals commemorated the victims by leaving floral tributes at the crash site.