18:30 11 September
Singleton residents have vowed to campaign for better road conditions in the wake of the tragedy.
The council says it’s had plans to widen the section where the crash occurred for 40 years – but it’s a question of money.
16:00 11 September
The father of a nine-year old boy killed in yesterday’s collision between a prime mover and school bus in Singleton was on a charity ride for camp quality when he learned of his son’s death.
Harry Dunn was killed when the prime mover collided with the bus at the intersection of Kelso and Church streets Singleton shortly before 4pm.
His brother Luke, aged seven, was also critically injured and flown to John Hunter Hospital, where he’s recovering. A third boy, aged seven is also recovering in the same hospital.
Dean Dunn was on the bike ride for children fighting cancer and rushed home.
“Camp Quality sends deepest condolences to Dean Dunn and his family,” Camp Quality CEO Simon Rountree said in a statement.
“He asked that the other 29 cyclists continue the ride.
“Today they are wearing black armbands out of respect for Dean’s loss.”
The 54-year-old bus driver and four other children have been released from Singleton Hospital. The 34-year-old driver of the prime mover is still assisting police with their inquiries.
Students from St Catherrine’s College where Harry went to school, have received special counselling.
GREENS SEATBELT PUSH AFTER SINGLETON BUS TRAGEDY
The New South Wales Greens have renewed their push for seatbelts to become mandatory on school buses, after yesterday’s tragedy at Singleton.
An eight-year-boy was killed when a prime mover slammed into the school bus at the intersection of Kelso and Church streets about 3.50pm.
The boy, a student of St Catherine’s College, was thrown from the bus.
Two other students are in a critical condition, after being airlifted to the John Hunter Hospital, while four other children and the bus driver were taken to Singleton Hospital.
Cate Faehrmann, the Greens’ Transport spokesman, will seek government support to support a bill requring buses to be fitted with seatbelts.
Meanwhile, Singleton’s outgoing Mayor Sue Moore said on radio this morning, the local council had set aside money for the intersection to be upgraded in recent years, but it hadn’t happened.
Several councillors are on hand at the school today to help the students and staff deal with the incident.
I cannot believe that it would have to come to this, this is the 21st Century and seat belts should definately be mandatory in all buses.
How many more children must die and how many more years must we wait! My child tarvels on a bus that refuses to even give her a seat. She spends 1 hour every morning on the bus floor in 100klm zones. I can not find anyone who is willing to listen – I have contacted every group/local member/parliamentary advisory group etc. but it still falls on deaf ears! It is disgusting and they all should hang their heads in shame!