We feel for the driver... he made a mistake and he has to live with this forever

Hunter Valley crash victim's loved ones held a beautiful display of empathy and forgiveness for the driver whose actions took the lives of 10 people on Sunday.

Hundreds of mourners gathered to honour the lives of the victims of the Hunter Valley bus crash. Photo: NCA Newswire / Jeremy Piper

Friends and family of those who died in the tragic Hunter Valley bus crash have spoken out about their love for the 10 wedding guests who died.

Mourners gathered on Thursday night in the town of Greta to pay their respects to those lost in the crash. 

Residents will host another vigil on Friday night.

Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this. 

RELATED: ‘There are no words to describe the grief we’re feeling’

Hundreds gather for vigil on Thursday night

Residents and footy mates paid tribute to the couple Andrew and Lynan Scott, who were members of the Singelton Roosters and leave behind two young children. 

In addition to the Scotts, the victims are Kyah and Nadene McBride from Singleton, Zachary Bray from Byron Bay, Angus Craig from Queensland, Darcy Bulman from Sydney, Kane Symons from Tasmania, and Tori Cowburn and Rebecca Mullen, both from Singleton.

“My heart absolutely breaks for everyone involved, especially Andrew and his wife leaving behind two beautiful little baby boys,” wrote a former colleague of Andrew on Facebook.

Ryan Fox, a close friend of the couple, said that they were “just both great people.”

“You couldn't get better humans and that's what makes it even harder when these events occur,” he said.

The Singleton Roosters’ website described Andrew as one of the best players they’ve ever had.

The team has since laid flowers on the field in remembrance of those who died. 

“I think that is the biggest thing, it doesn't matter what club you play for everyone knows these players... these people,” said Rose Potter, a member of the rival team Port Stephens Power per 9News.

Another player of the Port Stephens Power team, Josie Johnson, said the crash victims were “the best people in the world”.

They further shared their thoughts with the 58-year-old bus driver, Brett Andrew Button, who has been charged with 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death - drive manner dangerous, and negligent driving. 

“We feel for the driver because, you know, you make a mistake, and you have got to live with that forever,” Josie added. 

RELATED: Teachers raised alarm over Brett Button’s driving days before crash

The bride and groom hired the bus to transport guests safely from their wedding in the Hunter Valley. Photo: Instagram

Crash victims were “the best people in the world”

Button was granted bail on Tuesday in Cessnock Local Court.

Just after 11:30pm on Sunday, he transported the guests from the “fairytale wedding” in Lovedale to their accommodation. 

When passing through the roundabout on Wine Country Drive, the bus overturned and rolled on its side, crashing on top of the guardrail. 

According to The Daily Telegraph, the driver was driving dangerously and allegedly warned passengers to put on their seatbelts before the bus flipped. 

“If you think that was fast… watch this,” he reportedly said into the intercom. 

A further 25 people were transported to hospital, where two people remain in intensive care at John Hunter Hospital.

Originally published as We feel for the driver... he made a mistake and he has to live with this forever