Passengers who survived a horrific bus crash that killed three women have revealed shocking new details, while the relatives of one of the victims broke the silence.
The Greyhound bus collided with an all-terrain vehicle carrying a caravan on the Bruce Highway, near the Wilson Creek Rest Area, between Gumlu and Wangaratta in North Queensland, about 11am on Sunday.
Three women who were on the bus died after the bus reportedly veered onto the opposite side of the highway.
One of the victims has since been identified as Townsville mother of four Emma ‘Alli’ Sailor, 56, who was returning from Brisbane with her daughter, who escaped unharmed.
The other two murdered women were between twenty and thirty years old.
The crash also injured 27 passengers, including 33 others on board who were en route to Townsville after leaving Brisbane on Saturday.
Relatives broke their silence on Monday evening to pay tribute to Mrs. Sailor, who was remembered as a very religious person who was a leading member of the choir at her local church.
“(She) was a wonderful person…she will be missed…(her death) doesn’t feel real,” the family member told the Townsville Bulletin.
The Greyhound bus (pictured) that collided with a 4WD towing a caravan on the Bruce Highway was severely damaged
The relative added that the family was still in shock but “wanted answers.”
Meanwhile, one of the survivors on board the bus has opened up about the harrowing ordeal.
“I woke up and saw we had hit the caravan,” the woman told Nine News.
“The bus driver and some citizens came in, opened the door and helped get everyone out.”
The passenger, who was sitting just three rows from the front of the bus, took photos of the vehicle after it was badly damaged.
Parts of the front of the vehicle were torn apart and part of the cabin was completely destroyed.
The impact sent the caravan straight through the windshield and into the cabin of the bus.
One of the passengers who survived the horrific bus crash (pictured) has revealed chilling new details about the incident
Several passengers were seriously injured before being rushed to Ayr and Townsville University Hospitals after emergency services arrived at the scene.
One passenger was taken to hospital by helicopter from the region.
On Monday evening, two German male tourists, aged 23 and 24, were fighting for their lives, while the condition of two men, aged 27 and 51, was stable.
Townsville University Hospital Chief Medical Officer Jason Yates said on Monday doctors were treating seven patients at Ayr Hospital, while three patients were being treated in Townsville.
He said three people who were taken to Townville Hospital were discharged later on Sunday.
The patients include a 64-year-old man and two women aged 63 and 23.
Two men aged 23 and 24 are fighting for their lives, while two men aged 27 and 51 are in stable conditions (stock image)
Dr. Yates thanked the doctors, nurses and medical staff who worked tirelessly to care for the wounded.
‘We expected a mass casualty yesterday [Sunday] and we had to be ready to respond. We could handle anything,” said.
‘We were able to provide timely care to the patients who needed it as a result of this tragic event, as well as our regular care.’
Rescue helicopters were also deployed to the scene to provide additional medical equipment to first responders.
Queensland Police Chief Inspector Graeme Paine said police were yet to determine what may have caused the crash.
“The crash is currently under investigation. “We have not identified any factors at this stage that may have contributed to the crash,” he said.
The police are investigating whether fatigue may have played a role in the incident.