Bus carrying 40 students crashes into tree in Sydney’s west, driver critical – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pixabay)
Sydney – Emergency crews rushed to Erskine Park Road shortly after 1pm when a school bus carrying 41 students and a teacher veered off the road and struck a tree. The impact left the driver trapped briefly inside the vehicle before rescuers could free him. Several teenagers sustained injuries in the collision, prompting an immediate response from police, paramedics and other emergency services.
Crash Details Emerge
The bus was transporting students from years 11 and 12 when the incident occurred in Sydney’s western suburbs. Witnesses described the vehicle leaving the roadway without warning and colliding with the tree. Police attended the scene quickly and began coordinating with ambulance crews to assess everyone on board.
Initial reports indicated the crash happened in daylight hours on a local road familiar to the school community. No other vehicles were involved, according to authorities on site. The focus shifted rapidly to treating those affected and determining what caused the bus to leave the carriageway.
Students Receive On-Site Care
Paramedics treated multiple students at the location before deciding who required further medical attention. Five teenagers aged between 16 and 18 were transported to hospital for evaluation and treatment. One of those students is understood to have suffered fractures as a result of the impact.
The remaining students were checked and released from the scene once it was confirmed they did not need hospital care. School officials were notified promptly so families could be contacted and updated on the situation. Support services were made available for any students or staff who needed them after the event.
Driver’s Medical Episode Under Review
A NSW Ambulance spokesperson confirmed the driver, a man believed to be in his 50s, is suspected of experiencing a medical episode before the crash. He remained in a critical condition after being freed from the wreckage and was taken to Westmead Hospital for urgent treatment.
Investigators are examining whether the suspected medical issue contributed directly to the bus leaving the road. Police continue to gather evidence at the site while the driver receives care. No other factors have been identified at this stage of the inquiry.
Response and Next Steps
Emergency services worked efficiently to secure the area and ensure all students were accounted for. The quick arrival of crews helped limit further complications at the scene. Hospital staff at Westmead are monitoring the driver closely as his condition remains serious.
Authorities have not released additional details while the investigation continues. The school community is expected to receive further updates once more information becomes available from police and health officials.
