A devastating bus crash that killed 10 people and put 11 others in hospital overnight has left a community reeling today.
The bus overturned in the New South Wales Hunter region near Greta, as it was ferrying guests back from a nearby wedding, at about 11.30pm.
Cessnock Mayor Jay Suvaal said it was "absolutely horrific" news.
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"My thoughts are obviously with the people involved in the accident, but their families and friends as well as the first responders on the scene, because it must have been truly horrible for them as well," he said.
He said it would send "shockwaves" through the community.
"We are a close-knit community, and there will be massive showings of support I would imagine throughout the day," he said.
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Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison posted about the tragedy on Facebook.
"I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones involved in the tragedy in the Hunter overnight," she said.
NSW Transport Management Centre executive director Craig Moran said it was a "terrible, tragic event".
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https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fjenny.aitchison%2Fposts%2Fpfbid031Pmh7W8h7TDFJCQi8WHNLtnhtpsWkwN3rG1DGjEkWid4VXoTUjejZaXszoqfR33Wl&show_text=true&width=500He said he wouldn't like to speculate on the potential causes of the crash with the police investigation underway.
The bus overturned at a roundabout on Wine Country Drive near the Hunter Expressway off ramp at Greta.
"It's not a problem location that we're aware of, and I guess all of that will come out in a matter of course with the police investigation," Moran told Today.
Australian Medical Association Queensland president Dr Maria Boulton praised the first responders who were called to the "awful" crash site.
"This will have an effect, especially when people live and work in the same community and you know they may know that people may have passed away, and our thoughts are with all of them," she said.
Hunter Valley bus crash: What we know
- A bus carrying guests from a wedding in the NSW Hunter region overturned at about 11.30pm.
- At least ten people have been confirmed dead, and a further 11 have been taken to hospital.
- The driver, a 58-year-old man, has been taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
- Road blocks and diversions are in place and are likely to remain there throughout the day.
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