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Wedding guests hurt in mini-bus crash down embankment in Hunter Valley

A groom is among two men seriously injured after a mini bus rolled down an embankment in the Hunter Valley.

A groom is among two men seriously injured in a mini-bus crash on the way to his wedding in the NSW Hunter Valley.

The bus was carrying six members of the groom’s party when it veered off the road and rolled 30m down an embankment on Mount View Rd in Mount View near Cessnock about 10.30am on Wednesday.

Two people were seriously injured in the crash, including the 56-year old groom, who was flown to hospital, and another man.

Four other passengers were also injured in the crash. They were all taken to the John Hunter Hospital for further treatment and assessment.

A 56-year old groom was seriously injured in a crash on the way to his wedding in the Hunter Valley and was airlifted to the John Hunter Hospital. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw
A 56-year old groom was seriously injured in a crash on the way to his wedding in the Hunter Valley and was airlifted to the John Hunter Hospital. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

The driver was also taken to hospital for mandatory blood and alcohol testing.

Hunter Valley Police District commander Superintendent Steve Laksa said it was a tragic situation.

“They hadn’t actually got to the wedding yet, so they still had a wedding in front of them, but we’re very fortunate that the injuries weren’t fatal,” he said.

“Two of the persons involved are in a critical condition but receiving the appropriate treatment and care now, but it definitely could have been worse.”

A mini bus carrying six members of a groom’s party has rolled 30m down an embankment in the Hunter Valley. Picture: Google
A mini bus carrying six members of a groom’s party has rolled 30m down an embankment in the Hunter Valley. Picture: Google

Superintendent Laksa said the crash investigation team were trying to identify the cause of the accident and urged road users to slow down after 15 fatal incidents occurred in the region since January.

“A number of collisions have occurred as a result of people doing shift work and travelling from home after doing a number of shifts, so (I) just ask the community to use caution on the roads,” he said.

A NSW Ambulance spokesman confirmed that several crews were on the scene, including a helicopter to transport the injured passengers to hospital.

Two people were in a serious but stable condition, and another four people sustained minor injuries.

One person was trapped in the vehicle but has since been freed.

Mount View Rd near Cessnock has been closed while crash investigators identify how the mini bus veered off the road. Picture: Adam Yip
Mount View Rd near Cessnock has been closed while crash investigators identify how the mini bus veered off the road. Picture: Adam Yip
One person was trapped in the vehicle and has since been freed. Picture: Supplied
One person was trapped in the vehicle and has since been freed. Picture: Supplied

All passengers who were in the mini bus have been taken to hospital for further assessment and treatment, including a man in his 50s who was taken to John Hunter Hospital and another man in his 70s.

“Motorists are urged to avoid the area as Mount View Rd is expected to remain closed for some time,” a police spokesman said.

Minister for the Hunter and Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said it was horrific news and her thoughts were with everyone involved.

“I want to thank the first responders who are working in challenging conditions to assess and care for the injured,” she said.

Originally published as Wedding guests hurt in mini-bus crash down embankment in Hunter Valley

Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/news/breaking-news/mini-bus-rolls-down-embankment-in-hunter-valley/news-story/9edc993991385b00a9622e60e38d5b55