Greyhound driver Peter Jason Cafe charged over Gumlu triple fatal bus crash

The blood-soaked face of a driver emerging from a doomed Greyhound coach crash, which killed three and injured dozens near Bowen, can be revealed, unblurred in harrowing images after he appeared in court on Tuesday. *Distressing.

Three people have been killed and seven are fighting for their lives after a horrific crash between a bus and a car towing a caravan near Gumlu in Queensland. Picture: 7 News

Shocking photos of the Greyhound bus driver charged over a triple fatal tragedy on the Bruce Highway can be shown unblurred for the first time, revealing his bloodstained face peering out from the wreckage.

It comes after Peter Jason Cafe slipped out a side door at the Bowen courthouse, avoiding media attention following his second court appearance over the horror crash at Gumlu.

During a brief mention on Tuesday, it was revealed taxpayers could foot some of his legal fees should he be deemed eligible.

Mr Cafe is charged with five counts of dangerous driving causing death or grievous bodily harm over the June 30 crash that cut the highway for hours.

Townsville grandmother Emma ‘Alli’ Sailor, 56 and German women Aliya Tonga, 21 and Marissa Martin, 33 were killed and dozens more were injured when the bus collided with a caravan being towed by a four-wheel drive just after 11am.

As a result of the crash part of the caravan became lodged inside the bus.

Bus driver Peter Jason Cafe looking out at the damage after the crash.

Police allege the bus had crossed onto the wrong side of the road when the collision occurred.

The 52-year-old driver was dressed in a striped, black suit and heeled boots and appeared in good spirits as he waited to be seen by a duty lawyer on Tuesday.

When his case was called about 10.30am Mr Cafe was quick to correct Magistrate Michelle Howard’s pronunciation of his name.

Duty solicitor Peta Blundell requested an order for a brief of evidence from police and told the court Mr Cafe wished to apply for Legal Aid – a service which offers legal help to financially disadvantaged Queenslanders across criminal, family and civil matters.

Anyone seeking Legal Aid must first apply for a grant and to be eligible they must meet the organisation’s financial eligibility tests.

Even those approved may need to pay a contribution if a lawyer runs their case.

Mr Cafe is charged with five counts of dangerous driving causing death or grievous bodily harm over the horror crash on June 30 that cut the highway at Gumlu for hours.

The court heard Mr Cafe was told to pick up the brief of evidence from the Bowen Police Station when it was ready, with the due date in early November.

This is the second time the case has been mentioned in court after it was previously adjourned to Bowen from Brisbane following Mr Cafe’s arrest in mid-August.

It is understood after the case was heard on Tuesday, Mr Cafe left the Bowen courthouse through a side door which is usually only for use by a jury when there is a trial sitting, avoiding waiting media.

The Bowen courthouse only has one entry and exit for members of the public.

A Queensland courts spokesperson said Bowen court staff made no special arrangements for this individual to leave via an alternate exit nor was he given special permission by the magistrate to do so.

The case will be mentioned again on November 26.

Originally published as Greyhound driver Peter Jason Cafe charged over Gumlu triple fatal bus crash