Hunter Valley community vows to do ‘whatever required’ to support bus crash orphans

The Hunter community has vowed to support the orphaned children of a young married couple who died the most horrific bus crash the country has seen in decades.

Friends lay flowers at the crash site, in memory of their former opponents and friends who played for the Singleton Roosters. Picture: Jeremy Piper

The Hunter community has vowed to support the orphaned children of a young married couple who died in Australia’s worst bus crash in decades.

A vigil was held at the crash site on Thursday evening, in memory of the 10 people who lost their lives when the bus, transporting wedding guests to their accommodation, toppled off a roundabout in Greta on Sunday night.

Two of the victims, Andrew and Lynan Scott, were recently married and leave behind two children aged under five at their home in nearby Singleton.

Ryan Fox, a friend of the couple, said the community would do “whatever is required” to support the children.

“It’s hit the Singleton community hard so I just wanted to come down here and pay my ­respects,” he said at the vigil.

“It’s going to be a tough road ahead for everyone, the community’s been great and you can see that support,” said Mr Fox, who played touch football with Mr Scott and who used to work with Mrs Scott.

Andrew and Lynan Scott were on the wedding bus that crashed at Greta, NSW.

“It’s a tough road ahead, we’ll continue to work well in the community and just support each other, that’s one of the main reasons I came down here today.”

A large mural of flowers has emerged where the bus crashed, and dozens have been visiting the scene to offer tributes, share memories and pray.

“Its heartbreaking, anyone you talk to will know someone who knew them or directly knew people,” local Tahlia Brewer said. “It’s just touched everybody’s hearts.”

State minister for the Hunter Tim Crakanthorp said his community was “devastated” and in shock. “There will be long-term requirements, long-term support that’s needed for our community, and you can’t forget the first ­responders,” he said.

Nine bus passengers remain in hospital in a stable condition.