The groom’s family whose special day ended with 10 dead in the Hunter Valley wedding accident has called for an urgent overhaul of bus safety… ‘so something positive can come out of this tragedy’
Mitchell Gaffney’s father broke his silence and posted a message LinkedIn about the importance of wearing seatbelts on buses.
“50 years ago Australia made seatbelts compulsory for all car occupants, saving countless lives ever since,” wrote John Gaffney.
“While my wife and I can’t do this alone, we believe that ultimately everyone riding a bus should have access to a seatbelt and be required by law to wear it.”
The family of newlyweds Micthell Gaffney and Maddy Edsell (above at their Hunter Valley nuptials) have broken their silence over the tragedy that ‘shattered’ friends and family following the nuptials’ ‘glorious occasion’
Groom’s father John Gaffney, a former Victorian government road safety and crash analysis specialist, posted on Linkedin about the ‘glorious event’ turned tragic and the importance of seatbelts on buses
Mr Gaffney – a former road safety and accident analysis specialist for the Victorian Government – said he hoped “something positive” would come out of the tragedy.
“It was a glorious event until, within a few hours, news came of the bus crash that killed ten people and destroyed many lives.
“If you can help by lobbying your federal, state, and members (on seatbelts), it would be appreciated.”
Separately, Carolyn Gaffney posted on Facebook to the father of an accident survivor that “we both have our sons for which we are truly grateful.”
“But our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who are grieving and severely traumatized.”
The call concerned donations to a gofundme by the Warrandyte Cricket Club to support families and victims who still have weeks of recovery ahead of them.
Daily Mail Australia understands that Dylan, a schoolteacher, and another guest on the bus, Melbourne estate agent Nick Dinakis, were ‘hours of death’ when they were hospitalized after being pulled from the wreckage of the bus.
Teacher Dylan Burns (above) was seriously injured in the accident and spent six days in ICU being treated for internal injuries
The groom’s mother, Carolyn Gaffney, posted on Facebook to the father of a guest seriously injured in the crash that their hearts go out to the families of the victims
Mr Dinakis’ partner, KPMG accountancy executive Darcy Bulman, was one of those killed in the crash, while Mr Burns’ partner, Megan, was injured and has since been released from hospital.
They were among 35 passengers traveling on the Linq Buslines bus that crashed when it hit a guardrail at a roundabout at 11.30pm after leaving the wedding reception at Wandin Estate.
It is believed that Dylan Burns’ parents, Peter and Maree, flew to NSW in the aftermath of the crash to be with their son while he was in ICU, and acted as go-betweens for the families of many of the victims from the crash whose cell phones were lost. at the crash.
During KIIS FM’s Kyle and Jackie O show on Monday, NSW Premier Chris Minns said he felt for newlyweds Mitchell Gaffney and Maddy Edsell.
“I don’t know if I should say this or not, but the young couple who had the wedding just did everything right,” said Mr. Minns.
Distressing new details about the victims of the Hunter Valley bus crash (above) have emerged this week
Broker Nick Dinakis, whose partner Darcy Bulman I (above the pair together) died in the crash was “hours away from death,” along with Dylan Burns, but the brothers have now emerged from the ICU and are conscious
“I mean, they set up a bus, encouraged their guests to hop on the bus, not drink and drive, not even consider jumping in their car, so I really feel for them as well.”
From Mr. Gaffney LinkedIn after received condolences from others who wrote messages including “sorry to hear of this tragic and horrible event that has affected you and your family” and “sorry to hear of your close connection to this avoidable crash, and our thoughts and love are with you and your family, and the many, many others affected.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns said he felt for Mitch Gaffney and Maddy Edsell and said the newlyweds were ‘doing everything right’
The Warrandyte Cricket Club had 13 players, partners or family members injured in the crash, with their newly elected president Luke Warren and his parents Jenny and Greg all injured.
Greg Warren has been released from the hospital. Jenny Warren, who has a back injury, and Dylan Burns and Nick Dinakis are among seven patients still at John Hunter Hospital.
Warrandyte Third XI Captain Brandon Stafford has been transferred from Newcastle to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney.
Warrandyte Cricket Club Treasurer David Molyneux that as a club ‘broke our hearts for Mitch and Maddy. We are aware that they support all victims of this tragedy and we hope that they can make progress in their recovery.”
Mr Molyneux spoke publicly on Monday to encourage the Victorian state government to donate money to the families of the bus crash victims, as the NSW government did last week.
He said that of the 13 Warrandyte Cricket Club guests injured in the crash, four players and a partner were still in hospital, and that the club had sent money to get people home and was still ‘deeply concerned’ about Mr. Dinakis in particular.
“Half the people on the bus were Victorian,” said Mr. Molyneux, “we’ve already contacted Dan Andrews’ office.”
Bus driver Brett Button, 58, has been charged with 10 counts of dangerous driving leading to death, dangerous driving and negligent driving (causing death).