Two years on, a father's pain and plea: fix the 'death trap' that killed my son

The Advertiser

2 days ago

TWO years. 10 lives. Immeasurable grief.
Adam Bray's voice breaks as he remembers his 29-year-old son Zach, one of many lives cut short on the night of June 11, 2023, when a bus full of wedding guests, driven by Brett Button, rolled at a roundabout near Greta in the Hunter Valley.
Ten people were killed and 25 others injured.
Mr Bray is suing Transport for NSW (TFNSW) in the Supreme Court over an alleged breach of duty of care by the state government agency. It's a gut-wrenching chapter that he, and so many families, are desperate to close.
"I'm not trying to be a hero with this statement, but why is it on me and others, the few others who are brave enough or strong enough, so that their loved ones didn't die in vain, and this doesn't happen to anyone else?" Mr Bray said.
"Why is it on us? I'm not the government. I'm not the premier. I'm not the transport minister. I'm not the head of Transport for NSW.
"I'm just a poor dad who has lost his son."
In 2024, Button, then 59, was sentenced to 32 years behind bars with a non-parole period of 24 years for his role in the crash.
He pleaded guilty to 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, nine counts of causing grievous bodily harm, and 16 counts of driving furiously causing bodily harm.
Button's driving was impaired by the opioid prescription painkillers he was dependent on and had taken too much of, he was driving too fast to navigate the roundabout, showing off, and ignoring pleas from passengers to slow down and stop being "crazy" before tragedy struck.
Nadene and Kyah McBride, Andrew and Lynan Scott, Kane Symons, Rebecca Mullen, Darcy Bulman, Zach Bray, Tori Cowburn and Angus Craig lost their lives.
Nothing will bring their loved ones back. But two years on from the crash, Mr Bray's request is simple: fix the "death trap".
"This goes beyond the legal system and liabilities; this is about people's lives," he said.
"The reality is, this death trap is still a death trap.
"We'll never get closure, we're scarred for life from this, but it enables us to move on, it closes all these matters."
A statement of claim that was filed raised questions about the elliptical shape of the roundabout, a lack of warning signs for buses and trucks to slow down, vegetation, and the placement of the metal guard rail.
The class action has been brought under the state's Civil Liability Act in the NSW Supreme Court on behalf of all those affected by the crash. That includes victims' families, survivors and first responders.
Mr Bray said he started the class action for all the people who still can't get out of bed in the morning, for those who have physical and psychological injuries and will need ongoing care.
"The fact is, every time I see the news and I see a vehicle accident, or I see a bus incident, it's a haunting reminder of what we've all gone through," he said.
"Yes, it's the Opposition who were in power when this death trap was designed, constructed and hasn't been maintained all these years, but the reality is Chris [Minns] is the Premier, there's a transport minister who the portfolio of Transport for NSW resides under, so get out from behind your desk and go and tell them to fix it.
"The frustration and aggravation that's being caused by an apathetic government is quite disgusting to be honest ... do I want to have to put my armour on to battle this one through?"
NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison and NSW Premier Chris Minns did not respond to specific questions from the Newcastle Herald about fixing alleged issues at the roundabout.
Mr Minns said his thoughts are with the families, survivors and Hunter community who "continue to carry the pain of that devastating night".
"I can only imagine the heartbreak of Mr Bray," he said.
"I note the crash has been the subject of multiple investigations, some of which are ongoing. The driver was convicted and sentenced to 32 years in prison in September last year.
"I understand there are matters currently before the court in relation to this, and therefore I am not able to offer any further comments at this stage."
Ms Aitchison acknowledged the bus crash was a devastating event that touched families and friends across Australia, and particularly in the Hunter.
"This anniversary brings fresh waves of grief, and we express our sadness at the ongoing sorrow," she said.
"Having met with a number of the families involved, I know how difficult days like this are for them. I stand with them.
"I want to pay tribute to the first responders, traffic controllers and health workers who worked so hard to save lives where they could."
Ms Aitchison said she understands community members will want to visit the crash site on Wine Country Drive to pay their respects on the anniversary, and asked road users to be mindful and respectful during a sensitive time.
Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the devastating crash that claimed ten lives will forever leave an imprint on the community, and its anniversary is a time to pause and remember.
"As we mark the second anniversary of the Greta bus crash, feelings of grief and sadness permeate to the surface as we reflect on lives lost and forever impacted by this tragedy," he said.
"Council's memorial garden at Branxton offers a quiet, safe space for those wishing to pay their respects."
Singleton mayor Sue Moore said, like many others, she travels through the roundabout regularly.
"Enjoying the beauty of the flower beds for a few seconds before drawing on the senseless loss of loved ones," she said.
"My thoughts remain with family and friends now and always."
For many of the families, the first responders and the survivors, today is a day that will forever be marred with grief.
Mr Bray will spend it at Mona Vale Cemetery, at the memorial to his son.
TWO years. 10 lives. Immeasurable grief.
Adam Bray's voice breaks as he remembers his 29-year-old son Zach, one of many lives cut short on the night of June 11, 2023, when a bus full of wedding guests, driven by Brett Button, rolled at a roundabout near Greta in the Hunter Valley.
Ten people were killed and 25 others injured.
Mr Bray is suing Transport for NSW (TFNSW) in the Supreme Court over an alleged breach of duty of care by the state government agency. It's a gut-wrenching chapter that he, and so many families, are desperate to close.
"I'm not trying to be a hero with this statement, but why is it on me and others, the few others who are brave enough or strong enough, so that their loved ones didn't die in vain, and this doesn't happen to anyone else?" Mr Bray said.
"Why is it on us? I'm not the government. I'm not the premier. I'm not the transport minister. I'm not the head of Transport for NSW.
"I'm just a poor dad who has lost his son."
In 2024, Button, then 59, was sentenced to 32 years behind bars with a non-parole period of 24 years for his role in the crash.
He pleaded guilty to 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, nine counts of causing grievous bodily harm, and 16 counts of driving furiously causing bodily harm.
Button's driving was impaired by the opioid prescription painkillers he was dependent on and had taken too much of, he was driving too fast to navigate the roundabout, showing off, and ignoring pleas from passengers to slow down and stop being "crazy" before tragedy struck.
Nadene and Kyah McBride, Andrew and Lynan Scott, Kane Symons, Rebecca Mullen, Darcy Bulman, Zach Bray, Tori Cowburn and Angus Craig lost their lives.
Nothing will bring their loved ones back. But two years on from the crash, Mr Bray's request is simple: fix the "death trap".
"This goes beyond the legal system and liabilities; this is about people's lives," he said.
"The reality is, this death trap is still a death trap.
"We'll never get closure, we're scarred for life from this, but it enables us to move on, it closes all these matters."
A statement of claim that was filed raised questions about the elliptical shape of the roundabout, a lack of warning signs for buses and trucks to slow down, vegetation, and the placement of the metal guard rail.
The class action has been brought under the state's Civil Liability Act in the NSW Supreme Court on behalf of all those affected by the crash. That includes victims' families, survivors and first responders.
Mr Bray said he started the class action for all the people who still can't get out of bed in the morning, for those who have physical and psychological injuries and will need ongoing care.
"The fact is, every time I see the news and I see a vehicle accident, or I see a bus incident, it's a haunting reminder of what we've all gone through," he said.
"Yes, it's the Opposition who were in power when this death trap was designed, constructed and hasn't been maintained all these years, but the reality is Chris [Minns] is the Premier, there's a transport minister who the portfolio of Transport for NSW resides under, so get out from behind your desk and go and tell them to fix it.
"The frustration and aggravation that's being caused by an apathetic government is quite disgusting to be honest ... do I want to have to put my armour on to battle this one through?"
NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison and NSW Premier Chris Minns did not respond to specific questions from the Newcastle Herald about fixing alleged issues at the roundabout.
Mr Minns said his thoughts are with the families, survivors and Hunter community who "continue to carry the pain of that devastating night".
"I can only imagine the heartbreak of Mr Bray," he said.
"I note the crash has been the subject of multiple investigations, some of which are ongoing. The driver was convicted and sentenced to 32 years in prison in September last year.
"I understand there are matters currently before the court in relation to this, and therefore I am not able to offer any further comments at this stage."
Ms Aitchison acknowledged the bus crash was a devastating event that touched families and friends across Australia, and particularly in the Hunter.
"This anniversary brings fresh waves of grief, and we express our sadness at the ongoing sorrow," she said.
"Having met with a number of the families involved, I know how difficult days like this are for them. I stand with them.
"I want to pay tribute to the first responders, traffic controllers and health workers who worked so hard to save lives where they could."
Ms Aitchison said she understands community members will want to visit the crash site on Wine Country Drive to pay their respects on the anniversary, and asked road users to be mindful and respectful during a sensitive time.
Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the devastating crash that claimed ten lives will forever leave an imprint on the community, and its anniversary is a time to pause and remember.
"As we mark the second anniversary of the Greta bus crash, feelings of grief and sadness permeate to the surface as we reflect on lives lost and forever impacted by this tragedy," he said.
"Council's memorial garden at Branxton offers a quiet, safe space for those wishing to pay their respects."
Singleton mayor Sue Moore said, like many others, she travels through the roundabout regularly.
"Enjoying the beauty of the flower beds for a few seconds before drawing on the senseless loss of loved ones," she said.
"My thoughts remain with family and friends now and always."
For many of the families, the first responders and the survivors, today is a day that will forever be marred with grief.
Mr Bray will spend it at Mona Vale Cemetery, at the memorial to his son.
TWO years. 10 lives. Immeasurable grief.
Adam Bray's voice breaks as he remembers his 29-year-old son Zach, one of many lives cut short on the night of June 11, 2023, when a bus full of wedding guests, driven by Brett Button, rolled at a roundabout near Greta in the Hunter Valley.
Ten people were killed and 25 others injured.
Mr Bray is suing Transport for NSW (TFNSW) in the Supreme Court over an alleged breach of duty of care by the state government agency. It's a gut-wrenching chapter that he, and so many families, are desperate to close.
"I'm not trying to be a hero with this statement, but why is it on me and others, the few others who are brave enough or strong enough, so that their loved ones didn't die in vain, and this doesn't happen to anyone else?" Mr Bray said.
"Why is it on us? I'm not the government. I'm not the premier. I'm not the transport minister. I'm not the head of Transport for NSW.
"I'm just a poor dad who has lost his son."
In 2024, Button, then 59, was sentenced to 32 years behind bars with a non-parole period of 24 years for his role in the crash.
He pleaded guilty to 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, nine counts of causing grievous bodily harm, and 16 counts of driving furiously causing bodily harm.
Button's driving was impaired by the opioid prescription painkillers he was dependent on and had taken too much of, he was driving too fast to navigate the roundabout, showing off, and ignoring pleas from passengers to slow down and stop being "crazy" before tragedy struck.
Nadene and Kyah McBride, Andrew and Lynan Scott, Kane Symons, Rebecca Mullen, Darcy Bulman, Zach Bray, Tori Cowburn and Angus Craig lost their lives.
Nothing will bring their loved ones back. But two years on from the crash, Mr Bray's request is simple: fix the "death trap".
"This goes beyond the legal system and liabilities; this is about people's lives," he said.
"The reality is, this death trap is still a death trap.
"We'll never get closure, we're scarred for life from this, but it enables us to move on, it closes all these matters."
A statement of claim that was filed raised questions about the elliptical shape of the roundabout, a lack of warning signs for buses and trucks to slow down, vegetation, and the placement of the metal guard rail.
The class action has been brought under the state's Civil Liability Act in the NSW Supreme Court on behalf of all those affected by the crash. That includes victims' families, survivors and first responders.
Mr Bray said he started the class action for all the people who still can't get out of bed in the morning, for those who have physical and psychological injuries and will need ongoing care.
"The fact is, every time I see the news and I see a vehicle accident, or I see a bus incident, it's a haunting reminder of what we've all gone through," he said.
"Yes, it's the Opposition who were in power when this death trap was designed, constructed and hasn't been maintained all these years, but the reality is Chris [Minns] is the Premier, there's a transport minister who the portfolio of Transport for NSW resides under, so get out from behind your desk and go and tell them to fix it.
"The frustration and aggravation that's being caused by an apathetic government is quite disgusting to be honest ... do I want to have to put my armour on to battle this one through?"
NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison and NSW Premier Chris Minns did not respond to specific questions from the Newcastle Herald about fixing alleged issues at the roundabout.
Mr Minns said his thoughts are with the families, survivors and Hunter community who "continue to carry the pain of that devastating night".
"I can only imagine the heartbreak of Mr Bray," he said.
"I note the crash has been the subject of multiple investigations, some of which are ongoing. The driver was convicted and sentenced to 32 years in prison in September last year.
"I understand there are matters currently before the court in relation to this, and therefore I am not able to offer any further comments at this stage."
Ms Aitchison acknowledged the bus crash was a devastating event that touched families and friends across Australia, and particularly in the Hunter.
"This anniversary brings fresh waves of grief, and we express our sadness at the ongoing sorrow," she said.
"Having met with a number of the families involved, I know how difficult days like this are for them. I stand with them.
"I want to pay tribute to the first responders, traffic controllers and health workers who worked so hard to save lives where they could."
Ms Aitchison said she understands community members will want to visit the crash site on Wine Country Drive to pay their respects on the anniversary, and asked road users to be mindful and respectful during a sensitive time.
Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the devastating crash that claimed ten lives will forever leave an imprint on the community, and its anniversary is a time to pause and remember.
"As we mark the second anniversary of the Greta bus crash, feelings of grief and sadness permeate to the surface as we reflect on lives lost and forever impacted by this tragedy," he said.
"Council's memorial garden at Branxton offers a quiet, safe space for those wishing to pay their respects."
Singleton mayor Sue Moore said, like many others, she travels through the roundabout regularly.
"Enjoying the beauty of the flower beds for a few seconds before drawing on the senseless loss of loved ones," she said.
"My thoughts remain with family and friends now and always."
For many of the families, the first responders and the survivors, today is a day that will forever be marred with grief.
Mr Bray will spend it at Mona Vale Cemetery, at the memorial to his son.
TWO years. 10 lives. Immeasurable grief.
Adam Bray's voice breaks as he remembers his 29-year-old son Zach, one of many lives cut short on the night of June 11, 2023, when a bus full of wedding guests, driven by Brett Button, rolled at a roundabout near Greta in the Hunter Valley.
Ten people were killed and 25 others injured.
Mr Bray is suing Transport for NSW (TFNSW) in the Supreme Court over an alleged breach of duty of care by the state government agency. It's a gut-wrenching chapter that he, and so many families, are desperate to close.
"I'm not trying to be a hero with this statement, but why is it on me and others, the few others who are brave enough or strong enough, so that their loved ones didn't die in vain, and this doesn't happen to anyone else?" Mr Bray said.
"Why is it on us? I'm not the government. I'm not the premier. I'm not the transport minister. I'm not the head of Transport for NSW.
"I'm just a poor dad who has lost his son."
In 2024, Button, then 59, was sentenced to 32 years behind bars with a non-parole period of 24 years for his role in the crash.
He pleaded guilty to 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, nine counts of causing grievous bodily harm, and 16 counts of driving furiously causing bodily harm.
Button's driving was impaired by the opioid prescription painkillers he was dependent on and had taken too much of, he was driving too fast to navigate the roundabout, showing off, and ignoring pleas from passengers to slow down and stop being "crazy" before tragedy struck.
Nadene and Kyah McBride, Andrew and Lynan Scott, Kane Symons, Rebecca Mullen, Darcy Bulman, Zach Bray, Tori Cowburn and Angus Craig lost their lives.
Nothing will bring their loved ones back. But two years on from the crash, Mr Bray's request is simple: fix the "death trap".
"This goes beyond the legal system and liabilities; this is about people's lives," he said.
"The reality is, this death trap is still a death trap.
"We'll never get closure, we're scarred for life from this, but it enables us to move on, it closes all these matters."
A statement of claim that was filed raised questions about the elliptical shape of the roundabout, a lack of warning signs for buses and trucks to slow down, vegetation, and the placement of the metal guard rail.
The class action has been brought under the state's Civil Liability Act in the NSW Supreme Court on behalf of all those affected by the crash. That includes victims' families, survivors and first responders.
Mr Bray said he started the class action for all the people who still can't get out of bed in the morning, for those who have physical and psychological injuries and will need ongoing care.
"The fact is, every time I see the news and I see a vehicle accident, or I see a bus incident, it's a haunting reminder of what we've all gone through," he said.
"Yes, it's the Opposition who were in power when this death trap was designed, constructed and hasn't been maintained all these years, but the reality is Chris [Minns] is the Premier, there's a transport minister who the portfolio of Transport for NSW resides under, so get out from behind your desk and go and tell them to fix it.
"The frustration and aggravation that's being caused by an apathetic government is quite disgusting to be honest ... do I want to have to put my armour on to battle this one through?"
NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison and NSW Premier Chris Minns did not respond to specific questions from the Newcastle Herald about fixing alleged issues at the roundabout.
Mr Minns said his thoughts are with the families, survivors and Hunter community who "continue to carry the pain of that devastating night".
"I can only imagine the heartbreak of Mr Bray," he said.
"I note the crash has been the subject of multiple investigations, some of which are ongoing. The driver was convicted and sentenced to 32 years in prison in September last year.
"I understand there are matters currently before the court in relation to this, and therefore I am not able to offer any further comments at this stage."
Ms Aitchison acknowledged the bus crash was a devastating event that touched families and friends across Australia, and particularly in the Hunter.
"This anniversary brings fresh waves of grief, and we express our sadness at the ongoing sorrow," she said.
"Having met with a number of the families involved, I know how difficult days like this are for them. I stand with them.
"I want to pay tribute to the first responders, traffic controllers and health workers who worked so hard to save lives where they could."
Ms Aitchison said she understands community members will want to visit the crash site on Wine Country Drive to pay their respects on the anniversary, and asked road users to be mindful and respectful during a sensitive time.
Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the devastating crash that claimed ten lives will forever leave an imprint on the community, and its anniversary is a time to pause and remember.
"As we mark the second anniversary of the Greta bus crash, feelings of grief and sadness permeate to the surface as we reflect on lives lost and forever impacted by this tragedy," he said.
"Council's memorial garden at Branxton offers a quiet, safe space for those wishing to pay their respects."
Singleton mayor Sue Moore said, like many others, she travels through the roundabout regularly.
"Enjoying the beauty of the flower beds for a few seconds before drawing on the senseless loss of loved ones," she said.
"My thoughts remain with family and friends now and always."
For many of the families, the first responders and the survivors, today is a day that will forever be marred with grief.
Mr Bray will spend it at Mona Vale Cemetery, at the memorial to his son.