Mark Baker/AP
Authorities are investigating after a bus crashed in the Australian state of New South Wales on Sunday, killing several people.
CNN –
Several people have died in Australia after their bus crashed on Sunday while returning from a wedding in a wine-growing region in the east of the country.
The bus overturned at a roundabout near the town of Greta, New South Wales in the Hunter Valley, about two and a half hours northwest of Sydney.
Authorities said initial reports said at least ten people had been killed and 25 hospitalized, with some being flown to Sydney for medical attention.
The 58-year-old bus driver was arrested, according to police. Police said he was not injured in the incident.
The bus was carrying people returning from celebrations at a winery when it crashed, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said. Minns called the crash a “deeply tragic event” and added that residents in the area “will be shocked and saddened”.
Emergency calls came in just before midnight and police dispatched several helicopters, firefighting units and ambulances to the scene of the accident.
NSW Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Tracy Chapman said it was too early to comment on the circumstances of the accident but police had “sufficient information” to press charges against the driver. Chapman did not provide details on the allegations, but said the crash site was being treated as a crime scene.
Police are still trying to identify everyone on the bus, but “as far as we’re aware, there are no children involved,” Chapman said. On Monday morning the bus was still on its side; Police said the bodies of those killed had not yet been removed and it was possible more people would be discovered under the bus.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his condolences after the “terrible” crash.
“All Australians waking up to the tragic news of the Hunter extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims of this horrific bus tragedy,” Albanese said on Twitter. “It is indeed cruel that a day of joy should end with such a devastating loss. Our thoughts are also with the injured.”
In a statement Monday, the wedding venue said it supports guests who need their assistance, adding that it wants to protect their privacy.
The Hunter region is popular for weekend getaways and weddings. The crash also happened over a long weekend, as many tourists were likely in the area in the run-up to a national holiday on Monday.