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.
There were about 33 people on the intercity Greyhound bus traveling between Bowen and Townsville. Two people were 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. Details about the deceased have not yet been released.
Queensland Police Chief Inspector Graeme Paine said investigators will interview more witnesses as they work to 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 towing a caravan that killed three women and injured dozens more. The caravan is pictured embedded in the front of the bus
“The passengers have to wear them. That’s one of the aspects we’re looking at during the investigation,” he said.
He added that the crash scene was “very confronting” for everyone involved.
“I also want to acknowledge the role played by the public on the scene in helping and treating some of the injured,” he said.
‘It was a very important and confrontational incident.
‘In every 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 cabin of the caravan embedded in the front of the bus, which had been pushed onto nearby train tracks.
27 people were said to have been treated for various injuries, but the bus driver escaped unscathed. He only suffered minor head injuries.
Other passengers were reportedly trapped in the bus wreck.
Two elderly men taken to hospital 27 and 51, were recorded 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 aged 64 and two women aged 23 and 63 were released from hospital on Sunday evening.
Due to the large number of casualties, a triage system was set up on site. A Queensland Government Air rescue helicopter and a RACQ Helicopter Rescue Service were also deployed.
The bus left 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 accident caused major delays on the Bruce Highway, which was closed in both directions
