The New South Wales government has this morning announced it will donate $100,000 to a newly established fund to support the families and victims of the Hunter Valley wedding bus tragedy.
When tragic events like this occur, it’s the Australian way to reach out and support one another,”
NSW Premier Chris Minns said.
The donation comes following the horrifying bus crash in the NSW region on Sunday, which claimed the lives of ten people and hospitalised 25 individuals.
The coach was taking guests home from a wedding in the Hunter Valley, 90 minutes north of Sydney, and it rolled near the town of Greta at about 11:30pm on Sunday.
On Tuesday morning, the bus driver Brett Andrew Button faced court and was granted bail.
In today’s episode of The Briefing, Gerard McMillan, a Singleton local resident, and David Dollin, LiSTNR’s NSW news editor appeared on the podcast to explain the timeline of this tragic incident.
Mr Dollin said that Lynan Scott and her husband, Andrew Scott, were among those who lost their lives in the crash, leaving behind two children below the age of five.
I don’t know them personally, but I know people who are close neighbours to them,”
Mr McMillan said.
He also mentioned that a fundraiser had been initiated to assist the victims with medical expenses and provide ongoing support for the young children.
I think people need space. People don’t want to be interviewed…they just are all hurting,”
he said.
I realise the media have to do their job, but also people need that quiet time to reflect.”
The 58-year-old bus driver was charged with ten counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, driving in a dangerous manner, and negligent driving occasioning death.
Mr Dollin, who attended the court appearance, noted that the driver kept his head down, wearing a black hoodie and glasses.
He didn’t say anything to the judge, and he didn’t say anything to his family sitting behind him,”
Mr Dollin said.
When he was told he was getting bail, he started to cry. One of his daughters burst into tears when it emerged that her father was getting bail, clearly very relieved that her father was coming home after a night in police station cells,”
he added.
Members of the public looking to support the families and injured through a donation are encouraged to visit rawcs.org.aulaunch. The fund will be able to collect and dispense swiftly to those in need.
If you or someone you know requires assistance, please reach out to Lifeline at 131 114 or Beyond Blue at 1300 224 636.
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