Bus crash Bruce Highway crash: Tragic new details emerge
Investigators have yet to determine what caused a horrific crash between a Greyhound bus and a car towing a caravan that left three women dead and dozens of others injured.
The collision occurred at 12.50pm on Sunday on the Bruce Highway near the Wilson Creek Rest Area, between Gumlu and Wangaratta, in north Queensland.
About 33 people were on the intercity Greyhound bus travelling between Bowen and Townsville. There were two people in the 4WD pulling the caravan.
The three women who died and 27 injured passengers were all on board the bus, while those in the 4WD were unharmed.
Two men, aged 23 and 24, are still fighting for their lives on Monday morning, while details about the deceased have yet to be released.
Queensland Police Commissioner Graeme Paine said investigators would continue to interview witnesses as they determine the cause of the crash.
“We have collected a significant amount of evidence at the scene. As we process that evidence and interview further witnesses, we expect to get a clearer picture of exactly how it happened,” he told Sunrise on Monday morning, adding that specialist crash investigators have already forensically examined the scene.
Superintendent Paine would not confirm whether the bus was to blame, but did say all passengers were required by law to wear a seat belt.
Investigators have yet to determine what caused a horrific crash between a Greyhound bus and a car pulling a caravan that left three women dead and dozens of others injured. The photo shows the caravan in the front of the bus
“The passengers are required to wear them. That will be one of the aspects we will look at during the investigation,” he said.
He added that the crash scene was “very confronting” for everyone involved.
“I would also like to acknowledge the role played by the public on the ground in helping and treating some of the injured,” he said.
‘It was a very important and confronting incident.
“In any incident like this, the initial response is very chaotic and very complex. It’s a huge challenge to be in a situation like this.”
Shocking photos of the aftermath show the caravan’s cabin embedded in the front of the bus, which was pushed onto nearby train tracks.
It is understood that 27 people were treated for various injuries, while the bus driver managed to walk away seriously unharmed, sustaining only minor head injuries.
Other passengers were reportedly trapped in the bus wreck.
Two men taken to hospital, old 27 and 51 were stable on Sunday evening.
The three women who died and 27 injured passengers were all on board the bus, while those in the 4WD were unharmed
Another man, 64, and two women, 23 and 63, were released from hospital on Sunday evening.
Due to the number of casualties, a triage system was set up at the scene, while a Queensland Government Air rescue helicopter and an RACQ Helicopter Rescue Service were also deployed.
The bus departed Brisbane at 12pm on Saturday and was due to arrive in Townsville at 12.10pm on Sunday.
The speed limit on the Bruce Highway where the accident occurred was 100 km/h.
The highway has now reopened.
The horrific crash caused major delays on the Bruce Highway, which was closed in both directions