Greyhound driver charged with dangerous driving following horror bus crash

Charges have been laid after a ‘tragic’ bus crash along a major highway that killed three passengers.

The driver of a Greyhound bus which crashed killing three passengers in Queensland’s Whitsundays region has been charged with dangerous driving offences.

Emergency services were called to the Bruce Highway north of Gumlu just after 11am on June 3 following reports of a collision between a bus and Landcruiser towing a caravan.

Dozens of passengers were pulled from the wreckage as police began the mammoth task of piecing together events before the crash.

On Tuesday, Queensland Police announced the 52-year-old driver had been arrested following “extensive investigations”.

The crash took place on June 3.. Picture: Supplied

The bus was travelling from Brisbane to Townsville. Photo: Supplied/ Facebook

He was charged with five counts of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death or grievous bodily harm and is expected to face the Brisbane Magistrates’ Court.

According to a police spokesman it will be alleged the bus crossed onto the wrong side of the road before striking the Landcruiser.

At the time Queensland Ambulance Services said seven people were being treated for “life threatening injuries” and 24 had been treated for minor injuries.

Townsville woman Emma Sailor died in the crash. Picture: 7 News

German tourist Aliya Tonga was also killed. Picture: Supplied.

Three people, Townsville grandmother Emma Sailor, 56, German woman Aliya Tonga, 21, and a 33-year-old German woman, died at the scene.

After the crash, Greyhound Australia chief executive Dan Smith said the organisation was “heartbroken” at what happened.

“This is a tragic incident and our deepest sympathies go out to those involved and their families and friends,” he said.

The incident prompted a large response from emergency services. Photo: 7 News.

“We are working closely with authorities to assist them with their investigation in understanding the course of events that have led to this accident.”

The vehicle was travelling from Bowen in Brisbane to Townsville with 33 passengers on board.

The man, from North Ward, will return to court on September 24.

Originally published as Greyhound driver charged with dangerous driving following horror bus crash