Interim factual statement - Bus crash into culvert drain - Belmont North

View the Interim Factual Statement

What happened

On 13 November 2022 at approximately 0350 hrs Keolis Downer bus m/o 8219 on route 14 (Newcastle to Swansea Heads) was travelling on Wommara Avenue at Belmont North with 6 passengers on board.  

As the bus travelled westward on Wommara Avenue, it continued on a straight path onto a gravel strip on the side of the road as the road veered slightly to the right.

With the front of the bus almost entirely off the road, the driver’s side front wheel mounted a concrete barrier that was protecting a culvert drain. The bus tipped over to its left side and crashed into the culvert drain, stopping immediately on its side.  

All 6 passengers and the driver were injured to varying degrees from minor to severe, with one passenger airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney. The bus was severely damaged. All emergency services attended, and the driver underwent mandatory drug and alcohol testing.

Investigation scope

The scope of the investigation includes, but is not limited to:

• Identifying the contributing factors which led to the bus crashing into the culvert drain.  
• Examining the systems the bus operator had in place to manage the health and fitness of its drivers.  
• Examining the fatigue management requirements as part of the Bus Operator Accreditation Scheme (BOAS) and Heavy Vehicle National Law.  
• Advising on any matters arising from the investigation that would enhance the safety of bus or coach operations.

The Chief Investigator has required the Investigator in Charge (IIC) to review:  

• The safety factors which contributed to the incident.
• The effectiveness of the operator’s safety management systems to control the risk of fatigue.
• The standards for managing fatigue in the bus industry and how they compare to like industries
• Any opportunities for improving fatigue management in the bus industry.

The IIC will consult with all Directly Involved Parties (DIPs) throughout the investigation.