Russell Truck Driver Hit With 80 Charges After School Bus Crash Injures Dozens

horrifying school bus crash on the Western Freeway has left a trail of devastation, with high school students and their bus driver still grappling with the physical and psychological aftermath. Brett Russell, a Croydon man, stands accused of 80 charges related to the incident, which occurred when his prime mover collided with the school bus on September 21, 2022.

The crash unfolded as students and teachers from Loreto College Ballarat were en route to the airport for a NASA space camp excursion. The collision, which resulted in the bus rolling down an embankment, has left a lasting impact on the victims, including 25 children and 10 adults.

Prosecutors are now presenting evidence at a committal hearing in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, aiming to establish sufficient grounds for the case to proceed to trial in the County Court. Susan Borg, representing the prosecution, highlighted the extent of the victims’ injuries, noting that many are struggling with both physical and psychological trauma.

Expert witnesses, including psychologist Gabrielle French and doctor Adam Rouse, have testified to the ongoing suffering experienced by the students and bus driver. Reports of nightmares, mood changes, and flashbacks underscore the profound psychological toll of the crash.

Mr. Russell’s legal team is expected to challenge the severity of some injuries claimed by the prosecution, potentially calling upon student witnesses to testify. Despite this, defense lawyer John Lavery acknowledged the likelihood of his client facing trial on at least some of the charges.

Court documents reveal troubling findings from a post-crash investigation into Mr. Russell’s truck and trailers. Only two of the six axles on the trailers were found to be functioning correctly, raising concerns about the vehicle’s safety. Furthermore, allegations suggest that Mr. Russell disregarded warning signs indicating declining braking efficiency prior to the collision.

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The crash occurred in a section of the Western Freeway where speed limits had been reduced following an earlier incident. Dashcam footage captured Mr. Russell’s truck maneuvering erratically through congested traffic before colliding with the bus, propelling it down the embankment.

The injuries sustained by the victims ranged from severe physical trauma to psychological distress, with some facing life-altering consequences. Police underscored the profound impact of the incident, describing it as a harrowing ordeal that shattered what should have been an exciting adventure for the students.

As the committal hearing progresses, the full extent of the tragedy continues to unfold, serving as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless driving.