Triple-Fatal Bus Crash Horror: Driver Pleads Not Guilty to Dangerous Driving as Community Demands Justice
- Bus driver Peter Jason Cafe faces one count of dangerous driving causing death or grievous bodily harm
- He was behind the wheel of a Greyhound bus when it collided with a car towing a caravan on the Bruce Highway, killing three women
- The court heard the alleged grievous bodily harm of two other men involved in the crash is also part of the charges
A Townsville man has pleaded not guilty to a dangerous driving charge following a triple-fatal bus crash on the Bruce Highway last year. Peter Jason Cafe, 45, appeared in the Townsville District Court, where he formally denied one count of dangerously operating a vehicle causing death or grievous bodily harm.
In a dramatic courtroom confrontation, prosecutor Monique Sheppard told the court that the Crown was seeking a trial date for next year, citing the “nature of the alleged offending” and the need for priority listing. Defence lawyer Tom Hancock requested time to clarify parts of the expert evidence to be presented to the court before the matter proceeds to trial.
On that fateful day in June last year, Peter Jason Cafe was driving a Greyhound bus from Brisbane to Cairns when it collided with a car towing a caravan on the Bruce Highway at Gumlu. The crash claimed the lives of two German women, aged 21 and 33, and a 56-year-old Townsville woman. Two other men involved in the crash suffered grievous bodily harm.
Cafe, who remains on bail, did not speak beyond entering his plea. His matter will return to court later this year, ahead of a trial date being set. The community is still reeling from the devastating crash, which has left families and friends of the victims seeking justice.
An investigation into the crash is ongoing, and it is unclear what caused the devastating collision. However, the victims’ families and the wider community are demanding answers and accountability. With the trial looming, one thing is certain: the people of Townsville and beyond will be watching closely for justice to be served.