A devastating bus accident in Australia's Hunter Valley wine region has left ten wedding guests dead and 25 injured. The incident occurred Sunday night when the bus, driven by 58-year-old Brett Andrew Button, reportedly navigated a roundabout at excessive speed in dense fog, causing the vehicle to overturn and strike a guardrail.

The bus was transporting guests from a wedding reception at the Wandin Estate Winery to Singleton, a roughly 20-minute journey. Button has been charged with ten counts of dangerous driving, one for each fatality, and one count of negligent driving. He was granted bail under the conditions that he not drive and adhere to a nightly curfew at his Maitland residence.

Authorities allege that Button's driving was inappropriate for the prevailing foggy conditions. While mandatory drug and alcohol tests returned negative, concerns about his driving were raised in court. The prosecution highlighted witness testimonies describing Button's driving as dangerous, while the defense emphasized his previously clean criminal record and minimal traffic offenses over a 30-year driving history. The magistrate acknowledged Button's distress and concerns for his well-being.

This marks Australia's deadliest road accident since a 1994 bus crash in Brisbane claimed 12 lives. Fourteen of the injured passengers remained hospitalized as of Tuesday, with two in critical but stable condition in intensive care. The victims ranged in age from their 20s to 60s.

The incident has spurred renewed discussions regarding seatbelt laws in Australia. While the bus involved was equipped with seatbelts, as mandated by New South Wales law, the tragedy has prompted calls for a national review of seatbelt regulations. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns reiterated the driver's legal responsibility to enforce seatbelt use, while other state premiers expressed their willingness to learn from the investigation and consider a national approach to bus safety.

Bus driver Brett Andrew Button leaves the Cessnock Police Station in Cessnock, north of Sydney, on June 13, 2023.  (Luke Costin/AAP Image via AP)