Investigators have yet to determine what caused a horrific crash between a Greyhound bus and a car towing a camper that left three women dead and dozens more injured.
The collision occurred on the Bruce Highway near the Wilson Creek rest area between Gumlu and Wangaratta in north Queensland at 12.50pm on Sunday.
About 33 people were on the Greyhound intercity bus traveling between Bowen and Townsville. Two people were traveling in the 4×4 that was towing the caravan.
The three deceased women and 27 injured passengers were on board the bus, while those inside the 4×4 vehicle were unharmed.
Two men, aged 23 and 24, were still fighting for their lives on Monday morning, while details of the deceased have not yet been made public.
Queensland Police Superintendent Graeme Paine said investigators would interview more witnesses as they worked to determine the cause of the crash.
“We have gathered a significant amount of evidence at the scene. As we process that evidence and interview more witnesses, we hope to get a clearer picture of exactly how it happened,” he told Sunrise on Monday morning, adding that accident investigators have already forensically examined the scene.
Superintendent Paine declined to confirm whether the bus was at fault, but said all passengers would be required by law to wear seat belts.
Investigators have not yet determined what caused a horrific crash between a Greyhound bus and a car towing a camper that left three women dead and dozens more injured. In the image you can see the caravan embedded in the front of the bus.
‘Passengers are obliged to carry them. That will be one of the aspects that we will analyse throughout the investigation,’ he said.
He added that the accident scene was “very confrontational” for everyone involved.
“I also want to acknowledge the role that the public present at the scene played in helping and treating some of the injured,” he said.
‘It was a very significant and very confrontational incident.
‘In any incident like this, the initial response is very chaotic and very complex. Being in a situation like this is incredibly challenging.’
Shocking footage from the aftermath of the crash shows the camper van’s cab embedded in the front of the bus, which had been pushed onto nearby train tracks.
Twenty-seven people were reportedly treated for various injuries, while the bus driver managed to escape unharmed, suffering only minor head injuries.
Other passengers were reportedly trapped in the wreckage of the bus.
Two elderly men were taken to hospital. 27 and 51, were stable Sunday night.
The three dead women and 27 injured passengers were on board the bus, and those inside the 4×4 were unharmed.
Another man, aged 64, and two women, aged 23 and 63, were discharged from hospital on Sunday evening.
A triage system was set up at the scene due to the number of casualties, while a Queensland Government air rescue helicopter and RACQ helicopter rescue service were also deployed.
The bus left Brisbane at 12:00 on Saturday and was expected to arrive in Townsville at 12:10 on Sunday.
The speed limit on the Bruce Highway where the accident occurred was 100 kilometers per hour.
The highway has now been reopened.
The horrific crash caused major delays on the Bruce Highway, which was closed in both directions.