Brisbane Bus Driver Heroics
Brisbane Bus Driver Praised for Heroic Actions After Airborne Car Crash
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The bus was operating on the UQ Lakes to Calamvale 139 route and was returning to the Sherwood Bus Depot when the incident occurred at the Beaudesert Road and Granard Road intersection in Rocklea; there were no fare-paying passengers aboard at the time.
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The SsangYong driver involved in the crash, a 66-year-old Durack man, was charged with driving without due care and attention and fined $690, receiving three demerit points.
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The Toyota Yaris driver, a 45-year-old Pallara woman, was taken to hospital in a state of shock following the crash.
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The bus driver, with more than seven years of service and a record of public commendations, assisted the car’s driver, seated her on the bus, and checked on both occupants after the crash.
A blue Toyota Yaris became airborne and smashed into the side of a Brisbane City Council bus at the Beaudesert Road and Granard Road intersection in Rocklea, with the dramatic crash caught on CCTV. The incident happened around 6:30pm on July 29, and Nine reports new footage has since emerged showing the full force of the impact, with the car becoming wedged inside the bus.
The bus driver, who has more than seven years of service, was praised by Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner for his calm and decisive response. He rushed to the car driver's aid, seated her on the bus, and made sure everyone was safe. No fare-paying passengers were on board at the time.
How the Crash Unfolded at Rocklea Intersection
The bus was returning to Sherwood Bus Depot after operating the UQ Lakes to Calamvale 139 route. A 66-year-old man from Durack was driving a SsangYong and merging from a centre lane when the Toyota Yaris swerved, according to police. The Yaris then launched into the air and crashed hard into the side of the bus.
The Yaris driver, a 45-year-old woman from Pallara, was taken to hospital in a state of shock. The bus driver and his wife, who was also on board, were not harmed. The Epoch Times described the scene as "something out of a movie," noting the CCTV footage left viewers stunned.
SsangYong Driver Fined, Wife's Presence on Bus Reviewed
Police charged the 66-year-old SsangYong driver with driving without due care and attention. He was fined $690 and received three demerit points. Authorities found he was merging poorly when the chain of events began.
The bus driver's wife was on board at the time of the crash. Authorities said they were reviewing whether her presence on the bus was allowed under council rules. No fare-paying passengers were caught up in the incident.
Bus Driver's Quick Actions Drew Widespread Praise
After the crash, the bus driver moved fast. He got out, checked on the Yaris driver, and brought her onto the bus to sit down. The Guardian reported he also made sure both people involved were safe before emergency services arrived.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner singled out the driver for praise. The driver holds more than seven years of service and has earned multiple public commendations. Council officials said his calm handling helped prevent further injuries at what could have been a far worse scene.
Council Vows Scrutiny as Footage Spreads Online
The Age and WAToday both published the new CCTV footage, which spread quickly online. The video shows the Yaris going fully airborne before hitting the bus with force, making the scale of the crash clear to viewers.
Authorities and council officials promised to keep reviewing the incident. They said the focus remained on how well the driver handled a sudden and dangerous situation. His record of commendations, they noted, reflected a long history of putting passenger safety first.
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