Groom among two fighting for life after mini bus rolls 150m down embankment in horror Hunter Valley wedding crash

A mini bus carrying six people has crashed and reportedly rolled about 150 metres down an embankment while on the way to a wedding in the Hunter Valley.

Toll rescue helicopter near Mount View Rd, Mount View in the Hunter Valley on Wednesday.

A weekday wedding at a Cessnock winery has turned to horror after a minibus rolled off a small cliff on its way to the venue on Wednesday leaving the groom among two men fighting for life.

The groom was among six people - five passengers and the driver - inside a Cessnock and Branxton Taxis maxi-taxi when it veered off Mount View Rd at Mount View, in the Hunter Valley, about 11am on Wednesday.

It is understood the vehicle ferrying the group to the nearby Molines Bistro at the Tallavera Grove vineyard rolled up to seven times, over a distance of roughly 150 metres down an embankment, before coming to a stop.

Two passengers, the 56-year-old groom suffering “limb injuries” and another man in his 60s suffering “head injuries”, were flown by helicopter to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.

The maxi taxi driver and three other passengers were all rushed by ambulance to hospital in serious conditions.

The rescue effort after a mini bus carrying a wedding party has rolled down a hill in Mount View. Picture: Carey Harris

A large team of rescue workers attended the crash. Picture: Carey Harris

The rescue effort occurred amid the wineries. Picture: Carey Harris

At least six people were on board when the crash happened. Picture Carey Harris.

Hunter Valley Police District Commander, Superintendent Steve Laksa, said it was incredibly “fortunate” the crash had not proved fatal.

“(It is a) tragic situation and actually hadn’t got to the wedding yet so they still have a wedding in front of them but we’re very fortunate that the injuries weren’t fatal.

“It definitely could have been worse.”

Supt Laksa said the driver of the taxi would undergo mandatory blood and alcohol testing while in hospital, as investigators continue to try and determine what caused the crash.

NSW Ambulance Superintendent Jake Broughton-Rouse said despite the isolated location of the crash, emergency crews were onsight within 15 minutes.

“Two critically unwell patients were transported by helicopter to John Hunter Hospital, and the four stable patients were transported by road to John Hunter Hospital,” Supt Broughton-Rouse said.

“One of our critically unwell patients was a 60-year-old male suffering head injuries... (the) other critically unwell patient was a 50-year-old male suffering limb injuries.”

Police at a bus crash scene off Mount View Rd. Picture: Damian Shaw

The most seriously injured passengers were flown by helicopter to hospital. Picture: Carey Harris.,

It is understood other vehicles also on their way to the wedding were following behind the maxi-taxi at the time of the crash and were able to call Triple-0.

Emergency crews took 45 minutes to free one of the critical patients from the wreckage, while others are understood to have been ejected from the vehicle as it rolled - and were treated in the rural paddock.

“Sadly it was a group of individuals on the way to the wedding, and it does unfortunately resemble some similarities of the Greta bus crash,” Supt Broughton-Rouse said.

“We’re looking after all of our colleagues, and all of our members of the communities involved.”

Wedding guests could be seen standing around in shock at the scene as emergency crews tried to rescue those trapped in the bus.

The bus lost control and went off Mount View Rd at Mount View. Picture: TNV.

Member for the Hunter, and Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said it was “horrific news” for her local community.

“Emergency services have responded to a serious crash on Mount View Road in Mount View this morning, where a minibus rolled down an embankment,” Ms Catley said.

Two emergency careflight helicopters are also on their way to transport the injured.

Two emergency careflight helicopters are also on their way to transport the injured

The incident happened before 11am on Wednesday when the bus lost control. Picture: TNV

“Police and paramedics remain on scene. This is horrific news and my thoughts are with everyone involved.

Wedding guests could be seen standing around in shock at the scene. Picture: TNV

Police and emergency services at the scene, Picture: TNV.

Two others who were ejected from the bus are also in a serious condition.

Ambulance crews assist a man after the crash. Picture: Carey Harris

Where the bus came to rest. Picture: Amy Ziniak

The horror bus crash in the Hunter Valley in June 2023. Picture: David Swift

This incident follows the horror Hunter Valley bus crash in June 2023 that claimed the lives of 10 wedding guests and injured 25 others.

The crash occurred near Greta as guests were being transported from a reception at Wandin Estate, with the bus rolling while navigating a roundabout in thick fog.

The driver, Brett Andrew Button, was later charged with 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death and negligent driving.