A devastating crash on the Hume Highway in NSW has left one bus driver dead and multiple passengers injured.
The incident occurred early Saturday morning, around 3:35 am, when a Greyhound bus collided with a heavy vehicle in the northbound lanes of the highway at Kyeamba, about 50km south of Wagga Wagga.
The Crash: What Happened
The bus, which was traveling from Melbourne to Canberra, crashed into the rear of a semi-trailer as it climbed a steep incline at Kyeamba Gap.
The driver, a 32-year-old man from Victoria, was treated by paramedics at the scene but sadly died. Paramedics also treated 13 passengers for various injuries, including lacerations, with one man suspected to have a broken leg.
Miraculously, No Life-Threatening Injuries
Despite the severity of the crash, none of the passenger injuries are considered life-threatening. According to NSW Police Chief Inspector Scott Russell, it’s “lucky” that more people weren’t injured. “One deceased is one deceased too many at this accident,” he said. “However, 40 passengers, none of them with life-threatening injuries. We’re very lucky to get away with just the one casualty.”
Greyhound Australia’s Response
Greyhound Australia has expressed its condolences to the driver’s family and friends, saying in a statement, “We are heartbroken that the driver… has died after a motor vehicle accident… in the early hours of this morning. This is a tragic incident, and our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends.”
Investigation Underway
The incident is currently under investigation, with NSW Police crash investigators working to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the accident. Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information, including dashcam footage, to come forward.
A Call for Witnesses
If you have any information about the crash, including dashcam footage, please contact NSW Police. Your help could be crucial in understanding what led to this tragic incident.