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'.

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.

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.​

 

[donandviv77]

My feelings and condolences go out to all, but we should consider in our great country we are inocent until proved guilty by a court of law.

Are you joking or just plain dumb, are you now suggesting that all criminals guilty of all types of horrific actions should be released on bail until the judiciary system slaps them on the wrists after they claim some BS claim of mental problems.

 

[mumbo54]

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.​

No he shouldn't have been released. Magistrate said he was was suffering, well good so he should. You just have to be responsible for your actions, I have no sympathy for him at all. Please think about the suffering of 10 families and friends of those killed.

 

[Jen jen]

This bus accident is such a tragedy - on such a happy memorable day for the Newly weds… he should have been locked up.. the writing is on the wall where his punishment will be light …. Quoting from the story…”According to his lawyer, Chris O'Brien, Button has several medical conditions, including ongoing mental health issues.”… and there’s the answer! …..
…. My condolences to all those people who lost their loved ones in this horrific accident… may you find peace somehow through this kaos..

 

[Joydie]

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

I live in the Hunter Valley and I know that road and that roundabout. I’m not sure what you saw, but the driver was turning left.

 

[888D.C888]

Such a great tragedy that could have been avoided.

 

[Coby1]

My feelings and condolences go out to all, but we should concider in our great country we are inocent until proved guilty by a court of law.

I feel great sorrow for all affected by this. I agree with Bob. He should be innocent until proven guilty. BUT. It seems the courts no longer decide these things. Perhaps we should ask Lisa Wilkenson and her media friends who they are convicting without trial this week.

 

[Gsr]

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

I live near the roundabout, after you enter it you are travelling around it in a right direction to get to the Singleton exit. The design of the exit is out of alignment and is not conducive to safely exiting the roundabout, especially at speed. That aside, I know all of the deceased, not as personal friends but through the footy club activities, so I feel very sad for all their families. I also feel for the driver, yes he was at fault for not driving to conditions but he will be suffering from a lot of guilt and sorrow for what happened. I doubt he will ever get over this. Leaving him in gaol won’t help him or any of the families impacted by this accident. I feel he may become suicidal, but even if he was in gaol he could harm himself.

 

[Ian Crane-Luff]

It is the driver's responsibility to require all passengers to wear seat belts, why is this considered unusual when the driver instructs the passengers to do so? The charges are a matter of course in such accidents, Witnesses are unreliable at this time and hopefully, time will get to the truth.

 

[KSS]

Regardless of what people may think about this driver and his behaviour immediately before the crash, he is entitled to the same consideration under the law as any other person brought before the court. He is highly unlikely to re-offend (his license to drive has been cancelled, and I expect he has lost his job) or even abscond (he has surrendered his passport and has strong ties to the community in which he lives), his conditions of release are such that it is unlikely that he will be living it up in Singleton whilst waiting for his trial, and let's not forget, he has the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law regardless of the highly emotional reporting of the event.

I understand people are sad and angry but mob rule is not acceptable in a civilised society.

 

[Alicat09]

The situation is horrendous. Refusal of bail is usually for those that remain a risk to the community. It is unlikely he is a risk. Based on the evidence so far, it is likely he will be found guilty and given a long sentence. Remember those that don't get bail, have the time spent incarcerated included as part of served time. In the end it will work out the same. And as others have said, innocent until proven guilty. By reports so far, it seems he made some bad decisions, and this will considered. But remember, anyone of us who causes an accident causing death, if even usually a good driver and you made a mistake, would potentially receive a sentence.

 

[Joydie]

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.​

I find most of the comments extremely judgemental. I in no way am making excuses for Brett Button. He has caused the death of ten people, all of whom were young enough to be my child or grandchild. What a senseless waste of life! All decent, contributing members of society. A great loss.

To those saying he should have been refused bail, I ask what that would have achieved. He'll suffer equally, wherever he is. If he's convicted, which is likely, he'll spend the rest of his life in gaol. He has a wife and children. He'll never have free access to them again once he's gaoled. I know most of you are thinking that's a good thing. Certainly not for his family who did nothing wrong. Mr Button has no criminal record and is active in his community. He lives in Maitland which is large enough that he won't be obvious if he does go out.

I wish I was so free of fault that I was in a position to be happy he's suffering like one of this group has commented. I refuse to believe that anyone who's ever held a drivers' licence has never done something stupid behind the wheel. Most of us get away with our lapses. He didn't.

It's now being reported on Channel 9 news that Mr Button caused concern last week while driving a coach load of kids from a school on the Central Coast to western Sydney. The first anyone, including the police, have heard of this was today. None of the teachers or parents on the trip contacted the coach company with their alleged concerns. Are readers going to pile on them? Do they bear some responsibility?

I want to make it clear that I'd never heard of this man until Monday. I have nothing to do with any coach company and I never have, and I'm not a Christian. I'm simply commenting as a fellow human being who often drove above the limit on my frequent country trips, but got away with it. I never had a ticket in over 50 years of driving. If those baying for blood have perfect driving records and can look into their hearts and say they never ever broke the law, good on you. You'll have a hard time convincing me.

 

[Joydie]

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'm a country raised girl, very familiar with driving in fog. I watched the footage from the beginning. Yes it was foggy, but the fog was not what I'd call heavy or thick. I really don't understand why the media always has to put the most negative spin on tragedies.

I'm extremely familiar with this area, having lived there for three years and worked there for six. I did my nursing training at Cessnock District Hospital.

 

[Catherines]

I won’t make a definite judgement of yes or no at this time - we only know SOME information released by police, and the inflated information we so often get from the media. Until facts come out AFTER police release everything AND he goes to court and is found guilty, I guess it’s not for me to judge him.

My thoughts are with the families of the deceased and also with the people injured and their families who’ve been through the trauma of an accident. Their lives will take a long, long time to recover.

 

[Suzanne rose]

I feel great sorrow for all affected by this. I agree with Bob. He should be innocent until proven guilty. BUT. It seems the courts no longer decide these things. Perhaps we should ask Lisa Wilkenson and her media friends who they are convicting without trial this week.

He was driving the bus....passengers on that bus confirmed they told him to slow down...they also stated that he was driving recklessly, ....some passengers then put on their seatbelts because they were in fear. If that doesn't prove him guilty ,then what does. And all the skid marks on the road

 

[Fat&fancy]

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.​

NO way should he be out on bail, the others on the bus said he was driving erratically and even said you think that was good, you ain't seen nothing! so showing off obviously!!! if he has a conscience, I'm sure he would be in a very dark place mentally, I know I couldn't rest having that on my conscience, but he didn't seem remorseful in the least. So very tragic to all involved.

 

[Tipsy]

I don’t think he should have been released. Not with all this charges. And the poor communities that lost their loved ones they will see him how are they expected to feel. No he should definitely be behind bars

so without a trial and ALL the evidence has been presented you have found him guilty already.... are you sure it was not a medical situation that may have coursed this despicable accident my heart goes out to all the families involved including the drivers.

 

[Suzanne rose]

It's just come out that the bus driver had taken year 5 students to Bathurst on an over night stay only a week ago.
The teachers complained to the principal about the drivers erratically driving , who then reported him to the bus company.

Now the principal has forwarded the complaint over to the police.

 

[Joydie]

He was driving the bus....passengers on that bus confirmed they told him to slow down...they also stated that he was driving recklessly, ....some passengers then put on their seatbelts because they were in fear. If that doesn't prove him guilty ,then what does. And all the skid marks on the road

Every road accident has skid marks, regardless of speed if the brakes are applied hard enough. If you hit the brakes full force at 60k you’ll have skid marks. The skid marks on the road prove that he hit the brakes hard.

I’m not defending this man. I’m simply trying to bring some reason into the debate. Why are the majority of those commenting so black and white? This is a seniors forum. A forum for people who’ve been around the block a few times and developed wisdom and tolerance.

 

[Suzanne rose]

Every road accident has skid marks, regardless of speed if the brakes are applied hard enough. If you hit the brakes full force at 60k you’ll have skid marks. The skid marks on the road prove that he hit the brakes hard.

I’m not defending this man. I’m simply trying to bring some reason into the debate. Why are the majority of those commenting so black and white? This is a seniors forum. A forum for people who’ve been around the block a few times and developed wisdom and tolerance.

I totally agree with what your saying , to have caused that ammount of skids he had to ve going very fast. Why was he not taking that roundabout slowly.
I think as we are seniors and been around the block , our eyes are more open.

I felt sorry for the bus driver until I heard reports that he was driving recklessly and asked to slow down , now it's come out he was also driving recklessly a few days before while driving children to and from an excursion.

Loss of so many lives and what he did overweights compassion for him.

 

[myshoes1999]

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.​

I believe he deserved to be granted bail. He has strong conditions attached and he is truly feeling and displaying remorse. He is also innocent until proven guilty. The accident is so horrific and the allegations against him seem strong, but, to sit in a cell until trial in 18 months is unrealistic. He will suffer the impact of this throughout the rest of his life and should use this time out on bail to get his affairs in order and ensure he is stable to withstand what may happen to him at the end of this trial. As stupid as his actions seemed to have been, it must be proven and I do not think any of the consequences were on purpose. As with many actions, one stupid decision can change the rest of his life as well as those affected by this horrible tragedy. My heart goes out to all those affected, involved and who are suffering in anyway by this accident.