DRIVER STILL IN SHOCK FOLLOWING SCHOOL BUS CRASH
TRANS North has broken its silence about last week’s collision between one of its school buses and a ute on a one-lane Hinchinbrook bridge.
Trans North Bus and Coach general manager Paul Rinaudo said the head-on crash last Wednesday, which left ute driver Phillip Spina with critical leg injuries, was a “tragic incident” the company never wanted to happen.
“We are thankful our passengers and driver did not receive any serious injuries,” Mr Rinaudo said.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the driver of the utility and his family.”
Mr Spina is in a stable condition in Townsville
Hospital. His pet dog died in the crumpled wreckage of the vehicle.
Three bus passengers, siblings aged 7, 9 and 10, were not injured.
Mr Rinaudo said the bus driver, who had been employed by Trans North for nine years, was in shock from the incident and was recovering at home.
He said Trans North was assisting police with their investigations.
Trans North operates 130 vehicles in North Queensland and has operated school buses in Ingham for more than 25 years.
“Trans North has a strong focus on safety for our passengers, staff and the public,” Mr Rinaudo said.
“Safety is our highest priority.”
Despite the crash, Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo said the council-owned and maintained road and bridge was safe.
Cr Jayo said regardless of the infrastructure in place, it was impossible to prevent all accidents.
He said it was hard to justify the cost of erecting a double-lane bridge given the level of traffic on the road.
“There is no evidence to (say) that it is a (traffic) black spot and unfortunately, regrettably, with a heavy heart, it’s just one of those accidents that’s happened,” Cr Jayo said.
Ingham police said the Forensic Crash Unit from Townsville attended the scene and investigations were continuing.