Police raid Hunter Valley bus crash depots
Police have issued defect and infringement notices to the transport company involved in the Hunter Valley bus tragedy after conducting raids on two depots.
The crash on June 11 was the deadliest seen on Australian roads in over 30 years, leaving 10 dead and nine in hospital.
Police and National Heavy Vehicle Regulator inspectors checked 20 buses at Linq Busline depots in Wyong, on the NSW Central Coast, and East Gresford, near Newcastle, on June 15.
Seven defect and two infringement notices were issued after a cracked windscreen, oil leaks, inoperative seatbelts and vehicle lights, and insecure seats were discovered.
A defect notice is issued when a problem needs to be fixed before the vehicle can be deemed safe to drive.
“The joint operation involved a comprehensive audit of documentation relating to fatigue, driver management, vehicle servicing and maintenance records, and safety management systems,” police said.
Linq said “one major defect identified in the fleet has been rectified” and minor defects were being rectified in accordance with the timelines set by the regulator.
The evening of June 15 saw heartbroken family and friends of the victims gathered near the crash site to mourn their loved ones and thank frontline workers.
Most of the 25 survivors sent to hospital following the crash have since been discharged.
The nine who remain in hospital are in stable condition, with seven at John Hunter Hospital and two at Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, according to NSW Health.
Over 900 donations have been made since June 14 to fund survivors and victims’ families, with almost $500,00 raised.
The tragedy has shaken the Singleton community, with seven locals among the 10 people killed when the bus crashed on its way back from a wedding.
Cessnock mayor Jay Suvaal said the community came together to support the loved ones of those lost in the crash and pay tribute to the first responder.
“We’re a really tight-knit community that does come together and support each other in times of need,” he told AAP.
Locals have offered accommodation and support for victims’ families.
“People are just dropping in things like cake and biscuits to our crisis centres to make sure there’s food available for the people there,” Suvaal said.
Devastated friends and family continue to visit a makeshift memorial at the crash site, which is strewn with flowers, cards and teddy bears.
Counselling and support is being offered at centres in Singleton and Branxton.
Health Minister Ryan Park said mental health services would remain available as long as necessary.
“What I do know about these types of traumatic and devastating events is that often it’s not in the hours and days afterwards when people need additional support — it’s often in the weeks and months,” he said.
“They’ve been through unimaginable grief and suffering.”
The insurer managing the crash compensation claims is being urged to ensure that extended family and friends of the victims receive support.
Under the state’s compulsory third-party scheme, only those directly involved in the crash or who had suffered psychological trauma due to the death or severe injury of a close relative are eligible for support.
Slater and Gordon layer Doug Williams urged the insurer to show compassion to those who have suffered due to the cash regardless of their ties to the victims.
“It’s (the scheme) so limited that the close friends and the extended family as well as members of the small community where many of those killed lived would be ineligible to claim treatment,” Williams said.
Many of the victims were heavily involved with the Singleton Roosters AFL club and the AFL Central Coast has cancelled its senior matches the weekend following the crash out of respect.
Sydney Swans players will be bearing black armbands ahead of their next game against the Lions in memory of the victims.
“We are deeply saddened by the horrific events over the weekend,” Swans chief Tom Harley said.
The bus driver, Brett Button, 58, faced Cessnock Local Court on June 13 charged with 10 counts of dangerous driving causing death.
Image credit: Getty