By Mikayla van Loon, with AAP
A woman from Warrandyte has been named as one of the victims in the Hunter Valley bus crash that claimed the lives of 10 people last weekend.
While the official identification of the deceased has not yet been released by police, 30-year-old Darcy Bulman remains unaccounted for.
She is one of multiple Victorians who travelled to the Hunter Valley in New South Wales for a wedding on Sunday 11 June which tragically ended in the fatal bus crash.
Police have begun the grisly task of removing and identifying bodies trapped under the bus.
Acting Assistant Police Commissioner Tracy Chapman described a frantic scene for those who arrived at the crash site at a roundabout on Wine Country Drive near Greta in the Hunter Valley about 11.30pm on Sunday.
“Emergency responders … were able to smash the front windscreen of the bus in order to pull some people out,” Ms Chapman said.
With the newlyweds originally from Warrandyte, a number of players from the Warrandyte Cricket Club were involved in the crash, many who remain in hospital with a range of injuries according to an update posted to social media by the club.
“The remaining Warrandyte Cricket Club members and partners are all recovering well, with some still in hospital. The club is supporting them to return home and with their ongoing recovery,” the club said.
Offering their deepest condolences to the family of Ms Bulman, the club said this would send a ripple through the tight-knit community.
“The Warrandyte Cricket Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Darcy Bulman, a much loved member of our Warrandyte Community.
“Our condolences go out to Darcy’s family and friends and the club is offering support to them at this time. Darcy’s partner Nick remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital.”
Ms Bulman worked as an investigator at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
Of the 35 people on the bus, it is understood that at least nine of them were connected to the Warrandyte Cricket Club either directly or indirectly.
Overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and well wishes, the cricket club thanked the community for respecting their privacy as they worked towards bringing people home.
“We sincerely appreciate the interest and concern, our focus at the moment is wholly on our players’ wellbeing, and the wellbeing of their families.
“We are doing all we can to support our club members who are still in NSW with practical and emotional support, and we’re providing support for friends and family who are in Warrandyte.”
Cricket clubs from around the Yarra Ranges region were quick to offer support and condolences to the families and friends of the victims.
“All at Montrose Cricket Club are here to support the Warrandyte Cricket Club in any way possible. Our thoughts are with all those involved at this very difficult time.”
“Sending our love and support to all at Warrandyte Cricket Club. If there is anything we can do, we are all here,” Chirnside Park Cricket Club said.
“The Mooroolbark Cricket Club and its extended family are certainly here to support the Warrandyte Cricket Club in any way we can during this very tough time. We send our sincerest condolences to all those involved and open our arms to anybody who needs support.”
For a day of joy in a beautiful place to end in such devastating loss was cruel and unfair, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
“People hire a bus for weddings in order to keep their guests safe and that just adds to the unimaginable nature of this tragedy,” Mr Albanese said in Canberra.
“The mental scars of this will not go away.”
Warrandyte Cricket Club did establish a GoFundMe page, which has since been taken down, asking those willing and able to donate to give directly to the Rotary Club of Singleton to support all those involved in the crash.
“These victims and their families will need ongoing support for some time. Your timely contribution will be 100 per cent directed to the local victims and their ongoing care.”
The bus driver, Brett Button, 58, faced Cessnock Local Court on Tuesday 13 June charged with 10 counts of deadly dangerous driving.
Anyone wanting to support the families and injured with a donation are encouraged to visit www.rawcs.org.au.
