Man killed in Smithfield after he was hit by bus

A DRIVING instructor has been killed in a horror crash after a bus smashed through a fence and struck him at a showground carpark in Sydney’s southwest. The company he worked for has told of their shock and grief, saying they had lost a member of their family.

The Smithfield site where a man was killed after a bus crash. Picture: Oceania Productions

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A DRIVING instructor has been killed in a horror crash after a bus smashed through a fence and struck him at a Fairfield Showground carpark in Sydney’s southwest this morning.

The accident happened just after 10am.

A Fairfield Council spokesman said the 45-year-old man was doing the training when he was hit by the bus in a carpark on Smithfield Rd in Wakeley.

VIDEO FROM THE SCENE

He suffered critical head injuries and died at the scene, NSW Police said.

The bus crashed through a fence separating the showground and the carpark, coming to a stop on an embankment.

The incident took place during a routine training session in the vacant carpark.

The victim worked for private bus company Transit Systems and the incident did not involve any council staff.

“Council has been advised that the person who was fatally injured was a part of the bus company’s training program,” the council spokesman said.

The bus driver has been taken to hospital for mandatory testing. Picture: Oceania Productions

Police removing the body from the scene.

Retired heavy vehicle driver Ted Smith was working on a truck nearby when he heard the crash.

“I just heard a smash and people started screaming,” he told reporters.

Mr Smith said he saw two buses, with groups of about 10 people each, doing training exercises in the large empty carpark shortly before the incident.

“Oh my God,” Mr Smith said upon hearing the man died.

“Bad, bad, bad,” he added.

Crash investigators are taking measurements around the wreckage site. Picture: Oceania Productions

Police units at the scene.

Transit Systems CEO Clint Feuerherdt said the company was devastated by the tragedy.

“We’ve just lost a member of our family,” Mr Feuerherdt said.

“We are in a state of shock and grief and our sympathies are with the family of the trainer, who was much respected by his colleagues.”

Me Feuerherdt said counselling and support was being made available for the driver’s next of kin, trainees and staff.

“We will offer every required resource to the authorities and to those affected by the accident.”

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Andrew Constance said his “thoughts and sincere condolences” were with the family, loved ones and colleagues of the 45-year-old.

“This was a tragic accident which NSW Police are investigating’” he said. “The Office of Transport Safety Investigations will also be independently investigating this incident.”

Multiple police units were at the scene, including crash investigators.

An onlooker was treated for shock, a NSW Ambulance spokesman said.

The bus driverwas taken to hospital for mandatory testing.