‘We are heartbroken’: Bus driver mourned after fatal Hume Highway crash

Greyhound Australia is mourning the loss of a bus driver killed in a crash with a truck on the Hume Highway in the early hours of Saturday morning in a “tragic incident” that also left 13 passengers hospitalised.

Emergency services were called to the scene at Kyeamba, about 50 kilometres south of Wagga Wagga, at 3.35am on Saturday after the collision between the northbound coach and truck. The GX322 service had been travelling from Melbourne to Sydney, the bus company said in a statement.

A crash involving a bus on the Hume Highway near Wagga Wagga was one of two fatal road accidents in NSW overnight.Credit: Nine News

The male bus driver from Victoria was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.

Police said it appeared the bus hit the back of the truck, which was carrying perishable goods, as it climbed a steep hill.

“Early indications are that the bus and the truck were travelling in the same lane and the bus has collided with the rear of the semi-trailer as it went up the steep incline here at Kyeamba Gap,” said Murray River Police District chief inspector Scott Russell.

Greyhound Australia spokesman Michael Leard said the company was “heartbroken” by the death, and assistance was being provided to employees affected by the “devastating event”.

“This is a tragic incident, and our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends,” Leard said.

“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.”

The coach was carrying at least 40 passengers at the time.

Thirteen passengers were taken to Wagga Wagga and Albury hospitals with a range of injuries, including three with serious but not life-threatening injuries.

Among those injured were two women in their late teens with leg injuries, and a woman in her 20s with head and leg injuries. One man is suspected to have a broken leg, a NSW Ambulance spokesman said.

A further 29 passengers were taken to hospital for assessment, a Murrumbidgee Local Health District spokeswoman said.

The fatal crash closed the northbound lanes of the Hume Highway.Credit: Nine News

The driver of the truck, which was described by police as a “heavy vehicle”, was uninjured and taken to Wagga Wagga Base Hospital for mandatory testing.

The highway was closed northbound, with a diversion between Little Billabong Road and Tumbarumba Road. A crime scene was established. Anyone with dash cam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Meanwhile, a man believed to be in his 40s died after being found unconscious and seriously injured next to the Great Western Highway in Leura, in the Blue Mountains. Police said he may have been struck by a car.

A 50-year-old man attended Katoomba police station and was taken to hospital for mandatory testing. Investigators are seeking information about a man seen walking along the road before 11pm on Friday.

Double demerit points apply in NSW from 12.01am on December 20 to 11.59pm on January 1 for offences including speeding and mobile phones.

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