Tragedy strikes Hunter Valley wedding as groom diagnosed with MND is airlifted to hospital following minibus crash
John Barrett, a father-of-four, was heading to his ceremony at the Molines Bistro at Tallavera Grove vineyard when the minibus he was travelling in veered off Mount View Road near Cessnock around 10.30am on Wednesday.
Mr Barrett, who had recently been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) and was wheelchair-bound, was trapped inside the wreckage for 45 minutes after the vehicle reportedly rolled seven times and tumbled more than 150m down a steep incline.
Guests travelling behind in convoy called Triple-0 after seeing the horrific crash unfold on the winding country road, The Daily Telegraph reported.
Emergency crews arrived quickly despite the remote location, and two men, Mr Barrett and another male suffering suspected spinal injuries, were flown by rescue helicopters to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.
'Two critically unwell patients were transported by helicopter to John Hunter Hospital, and the four stable patients were transported by road to John Hunter Hospital,' NSW Ambulance Superintendent Jake Broughton-Rouse said.
'One of our critically unwell patients was a 60-year-old male suffering head injuries and the other critically unwell patient was a 50-year-old male suffering limb injuries.'
Four others, including the driver and three passengers, were taken by road ambulance in stable conditions.
The crash took place before guests had even arrived at the picturesque midweek celebration, where the venue had already been set up with flowers and wedding decorations in anticipation of the ceremony.
Police confirmed the driver will undergo mandatory blood and alcohol testing.
Investigators are now examining whether wet road conditions or seatbelt use played a role in the accident.
'It is a tragic situation and we're very fortunate that the injuries weren't fatal. It definitely could have been worse,' said Hunter Valley Police District Commander, Superintendent Steve Laksa.
Police say they are treating the incident as a 'very serious' matter and have launched a full investigation to determine how the minibus left the road.
'We're doing an investigation to try to identify the cause of the accident,' police confirmed.
So far this year, the Hunter Valley police district has recorded 15 fatal crashes.
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