The driver could face years in prison if convicted after the bus veered off the road, killing 10 people.
The 58-year-old driver of a coach that crashed in Australia’s Hunter Valley has been charged with dangerous and negligent driving.
Brett Andrew Button could face years in prison after police say he was driving too fast for road conditions in Sunday night’s crash.
The coach, chartered to take wedding guests from a reception at a wine estate in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley to their accommodation, overturned at a roundabout in one of the country’s worst road accidents in nearly 30 years.
The age of the deceased is 20 to 60 years. About 14 people are in hospital.
Button, who lives locally, kept his head down throughout Tuesday’s court proceedings, prompting Magistrate Robin Richardson to express concern.
“I see a man suffering here before me,” he said, granting bail on the condition that Button not approach prosecution witnesses or get behind the wheel of a car.
“I have concerns for Mr. Button’s well-being,” she said.
Police say they are still assembling their investigation.
Officials said initial alcohol tests came back negative, but they blamed the “erratic” speed that some passengers reportedly complained about before the crash.
Acting Assistant Police Commissioner David Waddell said Button had 11 charges against him.
“He entered that roundabout in a manner that was inconsistent with the conditions,” he said.
“Obviously, the speed was too fast for him to negotiate that roundabout, causing the car to veer to his left and causing that injury.”
The crash near the town of Greta, about 180 kilometers (112 miles) north of Sydney, caused widespread shock, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sending his condolences to the victims.
Residents laid flowers near the crash site and gathered for candlelight vigils at a church near where the crash happened, while a light show illuminating Sydney’s Harbor Bridge and Opera House was switched off for a minute on Monday night in honor of those who died.
Police will interview some of the passengers who have been discharged from the hospital and examine the bus.
Source link
