Bus Safety Investigation - Drive Incapacitation - Premier Illawarra 4758MO Cordeaux Heights - 04 January 2021

This investigation has been discontinued. 

What happened

On 4 January 2021, at approximately 10:10am, the driver of Premier Illawarra bus 4758MO suffered an incapacitating medical episode. As a result, the bus rolled uncontrollably in a reverse direction down South Road, Cordeaux Heights (Wollongong). The bus struck several parked vehicles and damaged infrastructure along South Road coming to rest against the front of a domestic residence.

Discontinuation

OTSI launched an investigation into the incident but after initial collection and review of the available evidence, the Chief Investigator determined that it was unlikely further investigation of the incident as a standalone event would identify any systemic safety issues or additional opportunity for the enhancement of transport safety.

After considering previously investigated incidents of a similar nature and reviewing recent notifiable incidents, the Chief Investigator determined that a systemic investigation into bus rollaway events should be conducted. As such, in accordance with Section 46 of the Passenger Transport Act 1990, the transport safety investigation into the Cordeaux Heights incident was discontinued.