Fairytale wedding turns to tragedy as 10 guests killed in bus crash on way home

12 June 2023 , 03:24

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The wedding party pictured just hours before the horror crash (Image: Instagram)

A 'fairytale' wedding turned into a tragedy after a bus taking attendees home crashed, killing at least 10 guests and putting 25 in hospital.

Passengers on the vehicle were 'presumably returning to their accommodation' when the vehicle overturned amid heavy fog in Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia, say police.

Officers are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the Sunday evening crash, while the driver of the bus, a 58-year-old man, has been arrested.

NSW Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Tracy Chapman said the number of fatalities could increase, adding that two of those being treated in hospital had to be airlifted from the scene, and as the bus is still on its side more people could still be trapped underneath.

Police believe further casualties may still be trapped under the overturned bus (ABC/AFPTV/AFP via Getty Images)

Mrs Chapman went on to reveal that there was 'sufficient evidence' for police to charge the driver.

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"He's under arrest. He's been the driver of a motor vehicle collision where there have been fatal injuries and there will be charges pending," she said.

On hearing the news, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the situation "so cruel, so sad and so unfair" for such a "joyous day in a beautiful place like that to end with such terrible loss of life".

Madeleine Edsell and Mitchell Gaffney were married hours before the tragedy (Instagram)

Speaking at a press conference in Canberra, he said: "People hire a bus for weddings in order to keep their guests safe, and that just adds to the unimaginable nature of this tragedy."

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said the loss of lives was "heartbreaking", adding: "For this horrific crash to have occurred on a day that should have been filled with love and happiness only adds to the heartbreak".

"For a day of joy to end in such devastating loss is cruel indeed. Our thoughts are also with those who have been injured," he said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the situation "so cruel, so sad and so unfair" (DARREN PATEMAN/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

A guest of the wedding told 7News the day was a "fairytale" until news of the crash unfolded and "we all started panicking".

Police are still working to identify the crash victims and contact their next of kin, meanwhile.

A statement by NSW Police read: "Family and friends of a person who may have been on board the bus are urged to contact Cessnock Police Station."

Alan Johnson