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.
Tasked with transporting 53 attendees from the wedding reception to their respective accommodations, the bus was involved in an accident at a roundabout on Wine Country Drive, in Greta, Australia, slightly past 11:30 p.m.
As per New South Wales Police Assistant Commissioner Tracy Chapman, the driver was taken into custody at the accident site. He was later charged with ten counts of dangerous driving leading to death. Chapman chose not to state if speeding was a factor in the mishap on the foggy road but affirmed that sufficient evidence existed to substantiate the charges.
The guests had just departed from the Wandin Estate Winery in New South Wales and were traveling towards Singleton for their overnight stay when the tragedy occurred, revealed Chapman. The injured were immediately transported to nearby healthcare facilities.
Eighteen passengers aboard the bus during the tragedy managed to remain unharmed.
Offering condolences, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged government assistance to the victims and their families. He stressed the tragic irony of the incident, pointing out the bus was hired to ensure guests’ safety and prevent drunk driving.
The unfortunate incident transpired in the scenic Hunter Valley, renowned for its vineyards and popular as a wedding destination. A guest termed the wedding as a “fairytale.”
Images from the site showed the upturned bus lying on a twisted guardrail. Locals paid homage to the victims by leaving floral tributes at the accident location.
