Southport court: Brandon Reece Barakat charged after Biggera Waters bus crash

A Gold Coast man accused of driving dangerously before crashing head-on into a bus - putting passengers in hospital - has faced court for the first time since charges were laid.

A man who was allegedly intoxicated and driving dangerously before his Jeep crashed head-on into a bus – leaving several people with injuries – has fronted court for the first time since charges were laid.

Brandon Reece Barakat, 25, appeared briefly in Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning.

He is charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death or grievous bodily harm whilst adversely affected by an intoxicating substance whilst excessively speeding, and driving under the influence of liquor or a drug.

Brandon Reece Barakat (right) leaving court beside lawyer Jordan Roles. Picture: Jessica Paul

Police allege the 25-year-old was driving a Jeep Cherokee on Brisbane Rd, Biggera Waters at about 7pm on March 5 when the vehicle lost control and crashed into a bus travelling in the opposite direction.

It was reported at the time that 11 people were on-board the Kinetic bus, with six assessed by paramedics. One of the bus passengers, a 46-year-old woman, was taken to hospital with leg and pelvic injuries.

The scene of the crash on Brisbane Rd. Picture: Kathleen Skene

Mr Barakat and his 21-year-old passenger were also transported to hospital.

The Arundel man appeared beside his lawyer Jordan Roles in court this week, where his case was adjourned to June 11.

Leaving the courthouse, Mr Barakat did not respond to reporters’ questions about the allegations against him or whether he planned to fight the charges.

He remains on bail.