Bus driver in fatal Hunter Valley crash freed on bail – what happened?

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'.


Screen Shot 2023-06-14 at 9.06.13 AM.png
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.


Screen Shot 2023-06-14 at 9.06.06 AM.png
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.

Key Takeaways

  • Brett Andrew Button, the bus driver in the fatal Hunter Valley crash that killed ten people, has been freed on bail after appearing in Cessnock Local Court.
  • The prosecution argued against granting bail, citing concerns that Button may fail to appear in future court appearances or interfere with witnesses. However, Magistrate Robyn Richardson granted bail, noting his mental health concerns and 'onerous' conditions.
  • Button will face numerous restrictions as part of his bail conditions, including an 8 pm to 6 am curfew, reporting to police three times a week, and not occupying the driver's seat of any motor vehicle.
  • The bus crash involved wedding party guests, and authorities are still working to match individuals from the bus to the belongings found at the scene.



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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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'.


View attachment 22246
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.


View attachment 22247
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.

Key Takeaways

  • Brett Andrew Button, the bus driver in the fatal Hunter Valley crash that killed ten people, has been freed on bail after appearing in Cessnock Local Court.
  • The prosecution argued against granting bail, citing concerns that Button may fail to appear in future court appearances or interfere with witnesses. However, Magistrate Robyn Richardson granted bail, noting his mental health concerns and 'onerous' conditions.
  • Button will face numerous restrictions as part of his bail conditions, including an 8 pm to 6 am curfew, reporting to police three times a week, and not occupying the driver's seat of any motor vehicle.
  • The bus crash involved wedding party guests, and authorities are still working to match individuals from the bus to the belongings found at the scene.



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.

my first reaction was of sorrow for this man, but on hearing and reading the trauma that he put the passengers through this has altered all of those feelings. Was this a case of male ego going too far? Me thinks it was. Now his life is shattered. BUT remember there are numerous lives been shattered through all of this and my feelings go out to each and every one concerned.
 
He should not have been released and he runs the risk of being attacked by the community for the many who died under his hands. I would not be surprised if he does something to himself until the next court hearing on 9th August, since highly likely he will be spending the rest of his life in prison.
 
There seems to be some inconsistencies, they have reported 10 people deceased, but keep claiming them to be missing, if the bus was entering the round about it should have going left, why did it go right? While I send sympathy & condolences to all the victims & there families, we must let justice take its course, that is innocent until proven otherwise, the bus driver needs hi mental health assessed as this accident would have a profound effect on him & his family
 
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'.


View attachment 22246
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.


View attachment 22247
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.

Key Takeaways

  • Brett Andrew Button, the bus driver in the fatal Hunter Valley crash that killed ten people, has been freed on bail after appearing in Cessnock Local Court.
  • The prosecution argued against granting bail, citing concerns that Button may fail to appear in future court appearances or interfere with witnesses. However, Magistrate Robyn Richardson granted bail, noting his mental health concerns and 'onerous' conditions.
  • Button will face numerous restrictions as part of his bail conditions, including an 8 pm to 6 am curfew, reporting to police three times a week, and not occupying the driver's seat of any motor vehicle.
  • The bus crash involved wedding party guests, and authorities are still working to match individuals from the bus to the belongings found at the scene.



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.
 
There seems to be some inconsistencies, they have reported 10 people deceased, but keep claiming them to be missing, if the bus was entering the round about it should have going left, why did it go right? While I send sympathy & condolences to all the victims & there families, we must let justice take its course, that is innocent until proven otherwise, the bus driver needs hi mental health assessed as this accident would have a profound effect on him & his family
Don’t think it was going right?!!!
 
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Reactions: Marj53 and Libnotes
He caused the deaths of 10 people, plus injuries to others, and immeasurable suffering to so may families with the senseless loss to the community. There is absolutely no way that he should have been allowed out of jail into parole. He was portrayed as the victim. What total rubbish for the Magistrate to take that line. Typical of judges/magistrates when the real victims are ignored. We will be lucky to see him fined or subjected to a real sentence to suit the crime.
 
He should be kept in prison
He caused the deaths of 10 people, plus injuries to others, and immeasurable suffering to so may families with the senseless loss to the community. There is absolutely no way that he should have been allowed out of jail into parole. He was portrayed as the victim. What total rubbish for the Magistrate to take that line. Typical of judges/magistrates when the real victims are ignored. We will be lucky to see him fined or subjected to a real sentence to suit the crime.
 
NO WAY should he have been released.
This is one of the most horrible accidents in our history.
We are talking about 10 beautiful people who have lost their lives.
The countless people that will be affected by this tragedy will go on forever, mostly the wedding couple.
How are they going to remember the what should have been their most beautiful day ever.
Then we come to the to judge who will cover the case.
Yet another pathetic idiotic judge who will most probably give him 10 years or so and he will be out in 8 years.
He should get life without parole, let him suffer and die in gaol.
 
He caused the deaths of 10 people, plus injuries to others, and immeasurable suffering to so may families with the senseless loss to the community. There is absolutely no way that he should have been allowed out of jail into parole. He was portrayed as the victim. What total rubbish for the Magistrate to take that line. Typical of judges/magistrates when the real victims are ignored. We will be lucky to see him fined or subjected to a real sentence to suit the crime.
I agree 💯
 
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Reactions: 888D.C888
NO WAY should he have been released.
This is one of the most horrible accidents in our history.
We are talking about 10 beautiful people who have lost their lives.
The countless people that will be affected by this tragedy will go on forever, mostly the wedding couple.
How are they going to remember the what should have been their most beautiful day ever.
Then we come to the to judge who will cover the case.
Yet another pathetic idiotic judge who will most probably give him 10 years or so and he will be out in 8 years.
He should get life without parole, let him suffer and die in gaol.
I agree 💯 %
 
  • Like
Reactions: 888D.C888
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'.


View attachment 22246
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.


View attachment 22247
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.

Key Takeaways

  • Brett Andrew Button, the bus driver in the fatal Hunter Valley crash that killed ten people, has been freed on bail after appearing in Cessnock Local Court.
  • The prosecution argued against granting bail, citing concerns that Button may fail to appear in future court appearances or interfere with witnesses. However, Magistrate Robyn Richardson granted bail, noting his mental health concerns and 'onerous' conditions.
  • Button will face numerous restrictions as part of his bail conditions, including an 8 pm to 6 am curfew, reporting to police three times a week, and not occupying the driver's seat of any motor vehicle.
  • The bus crash involved wedding party guests, and authorities are still working to match individuals from the bus to the belongings found at the scene.



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.

Once again our judiciary system has shown how incompetent they are in refusing to listen to the Prosecutor and the Police, many of whom were involved in this horrific accident , by claiming that this bus driver is suffering mental anguish-what about the mental anguish being experienced by family, friends and the general public whom are surely more involved then this bus driver who was responsible for this avoidable accident.

If, as alleged by the TV commentator, there was heavy fog in the area where the bus crashed surely this driver should have known that his speed was excessive.
 
I was at that exact spot exactly one week before . I was at that round about the Sunday night before around 10pm and it was very very dark and foggy. We were staying 15 minutes away and looking for kfc .
I commented that we actually shouldn't have been driving around , I have never seen such dark roads mixed with fog.

I at first felt bad for the bus driver because I knew how bad that area was at night.

But as I started hearing stories that the passengers had asked him to slow down and comments that he was driving recklessly and him being from that area , he should have known how dangerous it is to drive like that.

Yes in Australia you are innocent until proven guilty but unfortunately he us looking very guilty.

I think he should not have gotten out on bail and even more so for his own safety. He did look devastated and I feel he may even take his own life after this devastating accident resulting in so many lives lost and damaged.

My hearts go out to all the victims , their family and friends .

I pray 🙏 that they are able to get the help they need. To have the strength to live their lives not just for themselves but for those who lost theirs
 

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