Three passengers killed, dozens injured in bus, caravan crash

Police said 33 people were on board the Greyhound coach when it collided with four-wheel drive towing a caravan near the Wilson Creek Rest Area on the Bruce Highway at Gumlu, south of Townsville.

Images from the scene show a red bus stopped near train tracks with a caravan embedded in the front after the high speed crash on the state’s busiest road.

Superintendent Graeme Paine from Queensland Police said three people killed in the crash just after 11am were female, but he was unable to confirm their ages.

Queensland Ambulance said four people were taken to hospital in a critical condition.

Greyhound Australia CEO Dan Smith said the company was working with authorities to investigate and would provide more updates as information became available.

“We are heartbroken that three passengers aboard Greyhound Australia service GX402 travelling from Brisbane to Townsville have died after a motor vehicle accident at Gumlu in North Queensland today,” he said, in a statement.

“Several other passengers were also seriously injured and are currently receiving medical treatment.

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

Dozens were treated at the scene, with multiple people taken to Ayr and Townsville Hospitals, while one person was flown to Townsville Hospital.

Residents have been asked to “reconsider” their need to attend those hospitals in a Facebook post from Townsville Hospital and Health Service, with all staff called into work.

“A crash like this is very, very confronting,” Paine said.

“The first responders and the community members on scene at the time have done a very significant job in trying to help those who are injured and safeguard the scene.”

Police are investigating the cause of the crash.

“We haven’t determined any factors that have contributed to the crash at this stage, but certainly a crash of this nature involving this many people is a very significant and very tragic incident for us” Paine said.