Linq Buslines director and half-owner Chris Fogg has faced a coach tragedy before

This man is one of Linq Buslines’ owners. He has confronted a coach tragedy before. But the horror at Greta is very different.

One of the operators of the Greta bus has faced a coach tragedy before, but not on this scale.

Linq Buslines – the company that ran the 57-seat 2009 Volvo which rolled on Wine Country Drive, killing 10 people – is half-owned by Chris Fogg.

Grandson of industry legend Sid Fogg, Chris declined to comment when contacted by The Daily Telegraph on Monday. He referred questions to a public relations firm specialising in transport.

However in 2012, Chris fronted the media after a bus run by another coach company he part-owns killed a 38-year-old Sydney woman.

The Port Stephens Coaches bus struck the woman at Beecroft while she was carrying her baby. The baby was unharmed, having been thrown to safety by her mum.

Linq Buslines director and half-owner Chris Fogg. Picture: Facebook

The bus was returning about 50 year 6 students – including the mother’s 11-year-old daughter – from a three-day camp at Newcastle.

At the time Chris Fogg told reporters the bus driver had four decades of experience and been behind the wheel for just two hours; the coach was only two years old, he added.

Linq Buslines director and half-owner Anthony Royle. Picture: Facebook

But on Monday, the PR statement issued on Linq’s behalf was devoid of such detail, citing the ongoing police investigation as the reason.

“We are incredibly saddened to learn of the bus crash that has occurred overnight,” the statement said.

“Our hearts are with everyone involved in this terrible tragedy and we send our deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones.

“We would like to thank the first responders to the scene, the emergency personnel and those who are continuing to assist,” Linq said.

“Trauma counselling services have been made available to all staff and their families at Linq Buslines.

“We are working with NSW Police and authorities as they investigate. It would be inappropriate for us to comment further while the investigation is underway.”

Linq’s spokeswoman confirmed the company’s buses are fitted with seatbelts.

A Transport for NSW spokeswoman said that “under the Road Rules 2014 a passenger must wear a seatbelt properly adjusted and fastened if one is available.”

Following the 2012 death at Beecroft, a coroner found the woman killed was hidden from the driver‘s view. He was not charged.

A coach owned and operated by Linq Buslines caught fire twice in two months while operating services in 2013. Both fires were caused by electrical short circuiting.

Linq’s other director is Mona Vale man Anthony Royle, who was managing director of Forest Coach Lines in Sydney for 20 years.

The Telegraph attempted to contact Mr Royle.