A bus driver has died and multiple passengers are being treated for injuries after a crash in the NSW Riverina region.
Emergency services were called to the Hume Highway at Kyeamba, about 50km south of Wagga Wagga, just after 3.30am on Saturday following reports of a crash.
Officers attached to Riverina and Murray River police districts arrived to find a Greyhound bus and a truck, both travelling north, had collided.
Paramedics treated the male driver of the bus, but he died at the scene.
The bus was travelling from Melbourne to Sydney at the time of the crash.
Thirteen passengers were treated for a range of injuries, none of which were life-threatening.
The truck driver was not injured and was taken to Wagga Wagga Base Hospital for mandatory testing.
Police are appealing for anyone with information or dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers.
All northbound lanes of the Hume Highway are closed and motorists are urged to avoid the area.
Greyhound Australia spokesman Michael Leard said in a statement, ‘This is a tragic incident, and our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends.’
‘Several passengers received non-life-threatening injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment. We are offering support to all those involved in this tragedy.’
‘We are working closely with authorities to assist them with their investigation in understanding the course of events that have led to this accident.’
‘Assistance is also being provided to the entire Greyhound Australia team, who have been greatly impacted by this devastating event,’ Mr Leard said.
NSW Police Chief Inspector Scott Russell said there were approximately 40 passengers on the bus.
‘They were treated for various injuries,’ he said.
‘Fortunately, none of those injuries were life-threatening at this stage.’
’13 of those were conveyed to hospital. 10 were taken to the Wagga base hospital and three were taken to the hospital where they’re being treated for various injuries.’
‘The worst injury is suspected to be a male with a broken leg.’
‘It appears from early indications that the bus collided with the rear of the semi-trailer as it went up a steep incline here at Kyeamba Gap,’ Chief Inspector Russell said.
‘It’s too early to say what the cause of the accident was, but our crash investigators from Wagga are on scene and they are putting the scene, piecing the scene together, and they’ll obviously prepare a report for the coroner in relation to the deceased bus driver.’
