TEN people have died following a fatal bus crash in Greta, with emergency services from around the Hunter and Port Stephens swiftly responding to the scene.

The incident took place near the roundabout on Wine Country Drive close to the Hunter Expressway off-ramp in Greta.

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At approximately 11:30 PM on Sunday, June 11, emergency services were alerted to a coach that had rolled over, prompting a large-scale emergency response.

The passengers on board were returning from a wedding at a winery when their coach overturned.

Units from Hunter Valley Police District, Police Rescue, Traffic and Highway Patrol, NSW Ambulance paramedics, NSW Fire and Rescue, NSW Rural Fire Service, and multiple helicopters for hospital transports were deployed to the scene.

Initial investigations suggest that the bus crash resulted in the loss of ten lives.

The identities of the deceased individuals are yet to be released pending family notifications.

Efforts are being made to ensure that impacted families are promptly informed.

25 injured passengers were swiftly transported to nearby hospitals via helicopter and road, where they are currently receiving medical treatment.

The conditions of the injured individuals vary, and medical professionals were diligently providing them with care on Monday.

The driver of the bus, a 58-year-old man, was taken to Cessnock Police Station and was charged with ten counts of dangerous driving occasioning death – drive manner dangerous, and negligent driving (occasioning death).

The Maitland man was refused bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court on Tuesday 13 June 2023.

The local community has been deeply affected by the tragedy, with support services mobilised to offer counselling and assistance to those impacted.

As the investigation progresses and the community begins the healing process, authorities are urging anyone with relevant information about the incident to come forward and assist in establishing a comprehensive understanding of the events leading up to the crash.

On Monday, NSW Premier Chris Minns described the incident as a “profoundly tragic event”.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of those who have been killed in this accident and those who are injured.

“I know the whole community of NSW, and in particular the people of the Hunter, will be shocked and saddened to wake up to this news today.

“I thank our emergency services personnel and agencies for their incredible response overnight and today – NSW Police, NSW Ambulance, NSW Fire and Rescue, NSW Health and Transport for NSW.

“Support is being offered to those impacted by this tragedy.

“Investigations into the circumstances of the accident have commenced, led by NSW Police.”

Nationals leader David Lilleproud MP said the horror crash “demonstrates the fragility of life”.

“There’s no words or comfort myself, the Prime Minister or anybody can give families today.

“This is pure grief that they will have to endure.

“But they should know that this country will wrap its arms around and know that that pain is one that’s shared.

“But it’ll be a long journey for them.

“And to our emergency service personnel who face up to this, who face the trauma of this, I just lend a thought to them as well for their bravery, their professionalism in our hour of need.

“This is a tragedy, one in which the nation just needs to understand and that’ll take time.

“And I think we just need to, at this time, just understand the pain and anguish that those families are going through, as this unfolds today and in coming hours.”

By Zayne PHILLIPS