Bus driver in fatal Hunter Valley crash freed on bail – what happened?
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It is truly heartbreaking to learn about tragic accidents occurring in our local communities, and the news of the recent fatal bus crash in Hunter Valley is no different.
Today, we aim to provide you with the details of the incident and the latest updates regarding the court proceedings involving the bus driver.
Brett Andrew Button, a 58-year-old driver, has been identified as the person responsible for the tragic bus crash in the Hunter Valley region. This devastating incident caused the loss of ten lives, leaving fourteen others hospitalised with injuries, two of whom are currently receiving intensive care.
Button now finds himself facing grave charges, including ten counts of dangerous driving leading to death, as well as one count of negligent driving.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, recent reports had surfaced indicating that just moments before the accident occurred, Button allegedly instructed his passengers to 'fasten their seatbelts'.
Button appeared in Cessnock Local Court, dressed in a black jumper, where he was supported by his family members. During the court session, Button sobbed as Magistrate Robyn Richardson granted him conditional bail.
Prosecutor Ms Broom had opposed granting bail, citing potential risks of Button failing to appear in future court proceedings and interfering with witnesses. However, the magistrate took into consideration the stringent bail conditions and Mr Button's mental health, which seemed to be of great concern.
Bail conditions included an 8 pm to 6 am curfew, reporting to the police thrice a week, and surrendering any passports to the officer in charge. He has also been banned from applying for travel documents and going within 5km of any international departure point. Mr Button was ordered to put up a $10,000 surety for bail, avoid drugs and alcohol, and not occupy the driver's seat of any motor vehicle.
According to his lawyer, Chris O'Brien, Button has several medical conditions, including ongoing mental health issues. O'Brien also stated that in case the case proceeded to trial, there would potentially be 'long delays'.
Button's family faced a highly tense situation as they left the court premises, trying to avoid the awaiting media.
What happened?
The tragic accident took place last Sunday night when a bus carrying thirty-five passengers overturned on a roundabout in the New South Wales' Hunter Valley area.
The passengers on the bus at the time of the accident had attended the wedding of Mitchell Gaffney and Madeleine Edsell at Wandin Valley Estate, located in Lovedale, earlier that evening.
When the emergency services arrived at the scene, they found a chaotic and distraught situation, with many police visibly shaken. NSW Police Acting Assistant Commissioner David Waddell alleged that the bus driver had been driving at excessive speed.
'He entered that roundabout driving in a manner inconsistent with the conditions,' he said, adding that 'the speed was too quick for him to negotiate that roundabout, causing the vehicle to fall onto its left side and cause those injuries’.
A massive emergency response was initiated at the crash site, involving six separate agencies, such as the police, fire department, and ambulance services. Multiple helicopters were dispatched for hospital transport.
According to the police, it is estimated that around thirty-six people were onboard the bus at the time of the accident. Tragically, ten passengers were declared deceased at the scene, while an additional twenty-five individuals were airlifted or transported by road to hospitals.
The bus was carrying guests who had attended the wedding celebration of Mitchell Gaffney and Maddy Edsell at the nearby Wandin Estate winery. The tragic incident occurred as the bus was en route to Singleton.
It has been called one of the most severe accidents in the nation's history. A designated crime scene was established, and specialised crash investigators were called in to assess the scene thoroughly.
Button is scheduled for his next court appearance at Newcastle Local Court on August 9th.
This terrible accident has not only affected the first responders but also taken a profound toll on the close-knit Hunter Valley community.
As we all try to process this tragedy and make sense of it, we hope that the coming days shed more light on the incident and reveal any possible steps that could be taken to prevent such accidents in the future.
In the meantime, our sincerest condolences go out to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in this horrific accident, and we wish a complete and speedy recovery to all who were injured.
Credit: 7NEWS Australia.
Today, we aim to provide you with the details of the incident and the latest updates regarding the court proceedings involving the bus driver.
Brett Andrew Button, a 58-year-old driver, has been identified as the person responsible for the tragic bus crash in the Hunter Valley region. This devastating incident caused the loss of ten lives, leaving fourteen others hospitalised with injuries, two of whom are currently receiving intensive care.
Button now finds himself facing grave charges, including ten counts of dangerous driving leading to death, as well as one count of negligent driving.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, recent reports had surfaced indicating that just moments before the accident occurred, Button allegedly instructed his passengers to 'fasten their seatbelts'.
Brett Andrew Button is charged with ten counts of dangerous driving occasioning death. Credit: Unsplash/Marjan Blan.
Button appeared in Cessnock Local Court, dressed in a black jumper, where he was supported by his family members. During the court session, Button sobbed as Magistrate Robyn Richardson granted him conditional bail.
Prosecutor Ms Broom had opposed granting bail, citing potential risks of Button failing to appear in future court proceedings and interfering with witnesses. However, the magistrate took into consideration the stringent bail conditions and Mr Button's mental health, which seemed to be of great concern.
Bail conditions included an 8 pm to 6 am curfew, reporting to the police thrice a week, and surrendering any passports to the officer in charge. He has also been banned from applying for travel documents and going within 5km of any international departure point. Mr Button was ordered to put up a $10,000 surety for bail, avoid drugs and alcohol, and not occupy the driver's seat of any motor vehicle.
According to his lawyer, Chris O'Brien, Button has several medical conditions, including ongoing mental health issues. O'Brien also stated that in case the case proceeded to trial, there would potentially be 'long delays'.
Button's family faced a highly tense situation as they left the court premises, trying to avoid the awaiting media.
Brett Andrew Button is charged with ten counts of dangerous driving occasioning death. Credit: Shutterstock.
What happened?
The tragic accident took place last Sunday night when a bus carrying thirty-five passengers overturned on a roundabout in the New South Wales' Hunter Valley area.
The passengers on the bus at the time of the accident had attended the wedding of Mitchell Gaffney and Madeleine Edsell at Wandin Valley Estate, located in Lovedale, earlier that evening.
When the emergency services arrived at the scene, they found a chaotic and distraught situation, with many police visibly shaken. NSW Police Acting Assistant Commissioner David Waddell alleged that the bus driver had been driving at excessive speed.
'He entered that roundabout driving in a manner inconsistent with the conditions,' he said, adding that 'the speed was too quick for him to negotiate that roundabout, causing the vehicle to fall onto its left side and cause those injuries’.
A massive emergency response was initiated at the crash site, involving six separate agencies, such as the police, fire department, and ambulance services. Multiple helicopters were dispatched for hospital transport.
According to the police, it is estimated that around thirty-six people were onboard the bus at the time of the accident. Tragically, ten passengers were declared deceased at the scene, while an additional twenty-five individuals were airlifted or transported by road to hospitals.
The bus was carrying guests who had attended the wedding celebration of Mitchell Gaffney and Maddy Edsell at the nearby Wandin Estate winery. The tragic incident occurred as the bus was en route to Singleton.
It has been called one of the most severe accidents in the nation's history. A designated crime scene was established, and specialised crash investigators were called in to assess the scene thoroughly.
Button is scheduled for his next court appearance at Newcastle Local Court on August 9th.
This terrible accident has not only affected the first responders but also taken a profound toll on the close-knit Hunter Valley community.
As we all try to process this tragedy and make sense of it, we hope that the coming days shed more light on the incident and reveal any possible steps that could be taken to prevent such accidents in the future.
In the meantime, our sincerest condolences go out to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in this horrific accident, and we wish a complete and speedy recovery to all who were injured.
Credit: 7NEWS Australia.
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