‘Coming in hot’: Final words before Hunter bus crash revealed

Passengers on board the bus that crashed in the Hunter Valley, killing 10, gripped each other with fear warning driver Brett Button was “coming in hot” seconds before impact.

The new details, which paint the full picture of the case against Button and reveal other wedding guests were first on the scene, come as the “devastated” driver gave a tearful apology on the court steps.

Brett Button, the driver of a charter bus that rolled and killed 10 weddings guests in the Hunter Valley, stands with head bowed as his lawyer reads an apology in Newcastle.Credit: Nick Moir

Button was charged with the deaths of 10 guests and the serious injuries caused to more than a dozen more passengers after his charter coach rolled over at a roundabout outside the tiny town of Greta in June 2023.

Prosecutors have brought consecutive waves of charges against Button as the case has worked through the courts, culminating in 10 current counts of manslaughter. However, the brief hearings have been held largely in Button’s absence.

The 59-year-old, with greying hair and a funerary black suit, bowed his head on the steps of Newcastle Courthouse as his lawyer read an apology on Wednesday morning.

“There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about what happened that day, that night,” lawyer Chris O’Brien said, reading Button’s words.

“There isn’t an hour that goes by where I am not thinking of the families that have been affected by my actions.

“I truly feel for anyone involved, including the emergency services. I am devastated by what has occurred and for that, I am truly and deeply sorry.”

A police fact sheet, seen exclusively by this masthead, offers a complete picture of the case against Button, including the words of fear and the warnings allegedly uttered by passengers before the crash.

The fact sheet alleges multiple passengers on the bus felt the “speed and manner of driving … was unwarranted for the conditions” as Button drove from the venue along the winding country road that links the Hunter’s wineries to freeways.

The scene of the bus crash outside Greta where 10 people lost their lives in June 2023.Credit: Nine News

Four allegedly fastened their seatbelts because of Button’s driving as he approached the roundabout at the end of Wine Country Drive.

One woman “felt scared and put her head in her partner’s lap ... who held her as a result”, the fact sheet claims.

“We are going too fast,” the man told his fearful partner.

“He’s coming in hot,” another passenger told his wife as Button approached the roundabout.

Police inspect the bus at the crash scene in the Hunter Valley last June.Credit: Nick Moir

“If you liked that corner, you’re going to like this one,” Button allegedly told his passengers.

But as Button attempted to traverse the roundabout his bus rolled onto the side impacting “heavily” with the road, slid up the concrete surface and hit a long steel guard rail.

The 35 passengers were thrown to the left of the bus. Nine of the passengers were critically injured and died at the scene, while a tenth died of his injuries in John Hunter Hospital.

The remaining 25 passengers were rushed to hospital with varying injuries – nine were so severely injured prosecutors claim Button committed “grievous bodily harm”.

Brett Button leaves Cessnock Police Station after being released on bail days following the crash.Credit: Janie Barrett

“At the time of the collision, weather was generally fine with some fog rolling in,” the fact sheet claims.

“The roadway was dry, and traffic was light.”

The police document also reveals the first people to arrive on the scene were other guests from the wedding.

They did their best to help passengers trapped in the wreckage before emergency services arrived minutes later.

Police allege Button’s driving had placed the lives of his passengers at extreme risk of injury or death — the conditions were clear and he was experienced with the roundabout.

“[Button] drove into the roundabout at a speed so excessive, the bus could not maintain contact with the road surface,” police allege.

“The dangerous manner in which the accused drove was displayed throughout the journey to the point where passengers felt the need to restrain themselves and several formed opinions that he was travelling too fast.”

Minutes before Button’s apology, O’Brien had told the court negotiations were taking place with prosecutors. Button’s apology does not mean that he is guilty of the charges police have brought. Those charges have not been proven.

Prosecutors may still choose to send the matter to trial. Survivors and families would likely be called upon to give evidence as witnesses.

The court will hear Button’s case again in April, when it is expected he will enter pleas.

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