Hunter Valley Wedding Bus Crash: The Bus Driver’s Supposed Chilling Words To Passengers Before Horror

Survivors of a horror bus accident that killed 10 wedding guests say the bus driver bragged to the occupants moments before losing control of the vehicle and disaster struck.

Flowers now mark the spot where the bus, which was carrying 35 guests, rolled back to the guest’s accommodation just 10km into its journey at around 11:30pm on Sunday.

The bus driver, Brett Andrew Button, is said to have told his passengers, “If you think that was fast… take a look” just before the crash, near the Hunter Expressway exit 7 miles north of Greta, New South Wales.

Button, a 58-year-old man from Maitland, is said to have made the comments through the vehicle’s internal microphone just before he lost control of the coach. Daily telegram reports.

Survivors and close friends reportedly expressed concern about the speed at which the bus was traveling and urged others to remain in their seats for safety.

Button is expected to appear in court on Tuesday charged with 11 offences, including 10 counts of dangerous driving resulting in death – dangerous driving and negligent driving (resulting in death).

Guests had spent the day celebrating Madeleine Edsell and Mitchell Gaffney’s union at the picturesque Wandin Valley Estate before striking in horror.

Emergency services were called to the scene of the crash around 11:30 p.m. Sunday and found 10 bodies in the mutilated wreckage alongside 25 injured guests, one of whom is in critical condition.

The number of people admitted to hospital now stands at 21, including two in ICU.

Seven of the dead are said to be from the nearby town of Singleton.

They include Tori Cowburn and Rebecca Mullen, and mother and daughter Nadene and Kyah McBride. Kyah’s friend Kane Symons is missing.

Angus Craig of Queensland and Zachary Bray of Byron Bay are also among the dead, as is Melbourne’s Darcy Bullman.

Married couple Andrew and Lynan Scott, from Singleton, were also killed in the crash. They appear to have two children.

Zach Bray’s uncle was shocked by his cousin’s death in the bus crash.

“My cousin Zach Bray died in the Cessnock bus accident last night,” said Zach’s uncle Martin Bray.

“All my friends and family (are) in shock at the loss of such a beautiful young man.”

Daily Mail Australia confirmed on Monday that Brandon Stafford, a groomsman who had traveled from Victoria for the wedding, was among those injured.

Their emcee, local reporter Alex Tigani, is recovering at John Hunter Hospital.

He revealed that the crash resembled “a war scene” and that he was covered in “other people’s blood” after rolling.

A family of three, consisting of an elderly couple and their adult son, are also being treated for injuries at John Hunter Hospital and are all expected to survive.

The bus lay on its side for most of Monday while police investigated before being lifted back to its upright position with the help of a tow truck.

Assistant Commissioner Tracy Chapman said the bus crashed in the first 10 minutes of a 35-minute journey to the Singleton guesthouse.

“It’s a tragic turn of events. The number of family members, but the wider community, affected by this is beyond counting,” she said.

The Wandin Valley Estate posted a sign on their front gate saying it will be closed ‘out of respect’ for those killed or injured in the tragedy.

As a tribute to the victims, the lights at the city’s Vivid Festival at Sydney Harbor Bridge, the Opera House and the Museum of Contemporary Art were extinguished on Monday night.

The Singleton community has also paid their respects to those killed in the crash, with a special service at Newcastle’s Christchurch Cathedral.

The Anglican Church was opened in Singleton, Branxton and Cessnock to allow local people to mourn the loss of 10 community members.

Newcastle Bishop Peter Stuart said he wanted people to know they were not alone and for people to pray for them.

“We don’t expect people to go anywhere and not come home alive, so our hearts are breaking at this impact,” he told the ABC.

The couple whose wedding the bus passengers had attended on Sunday both played for the local club, the Singleton Roosters, with some guests also playing.

The Terrigal-Avoca Panthers said the club was shocked by news of the tragic bus accident.

“Our club is shocked by the tragic news of last night’s bus crash involving Singleton Roosters AFC players,” the club said.

“Our condolences go out to family and friends who have lost loved ones.”

A man displayed his Singleton Roosters jersey at the front of his home as a tribute to the victims of the bus accident.

“In support of the horrific events of this morning’s bus accident involving so many of their club people, I go as a show of support for them,” he wrote online.

“Not just AFL clubs, but all sports clubs are such an outlet for people to feel at home and be part of a community.

“If you are a member of a sports club, I encourage you to do the same to show a sense of community and support for these people during an incredibly difficult time.”

Hunter New England Health has set up a clinic at the Singleton Youth Venue to support community members with mental health services.