Driver appears in court after deadly Australia bus crash, granted bail
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The bus was carrying 35 passengers when it lost control at a roundabout and careened onto its side, killing nine people.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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SYDNEY – A 58-year-old driver of a wedding bus appeared in an Australian court on Tuesday, charged with dangerous driving that caused the deaths of 10 people.
Brett Andrew Button faces years in prison after police alleged he was “too quick” while driving in what was believed to be foggy conditions just before midnight on Sunday, causing Australia’s deadliest road accident in 16 years.
Button’s bus was carrying 35 passengers when he lost control at a roundabout and it careened onto its side, killing nine people almost instantly.
Moments earlier, the passengers had been celebrating the wedding of a young couple at the nearby Wandin Estate Winery in the picturesque Hunter Valley wine region in New South Wales.
Another passenger later died in hospital.
Fourteen guests are still hospitalised, including one in intensive care.
Button, a local man, appeared in Cessnock court with his head bowed throughout the proceedings, prompting magistrate Robyn Richardson to express concern.
“I see here before me a man suffering,” she said, granting bail on the condition that Button does not approach prosecution witnesses or get behind the wheel of a vehicle.
“I do have concerns for Mr Button’s well-being,” she said.
His alleged victims are said to be aged between 20 and 60. Besides those killed, passengers suffered injuries ranging from lacerations to breaks and fractures.
Police say they are still piecing together their investigation.
Officers have said that initial alcohol testing came back negative, but they pointed blame at “erratic” speeding that some passengers had reportedly complained about before the crash.
“We’ve obviously now charged that 58-year-old bus driver, we’ve charged him with 11 charges,” said acting assistant police commissioner David Waddell.
“He entered that roundabout in a manner that was inconsistent with the conditions,” he added.
“Obviously, the speed was too quick for him to negotiate that roundabout, causing the vehicle to fall on its left side, and causing those injuries.”
The crash has caused widespread shock, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese leading condolences to the victims.
“For a joyous day like that in a beautiful place to end with such terrible loss of life and injury is so cruel and so sad and so unfair,” he said. AFP
