A school bus driver has recounted the harrowing moments leading up to a collision with a truck, which resulted in serious injuries to seven children. Graham Stanley is currently providing testimony in the Victorian Supreme Court during the trial of truck driver Jamie Gleeson, who faces seven charges related to dangerous driving stemming from the incident on May 16, 2023.
Stanley explained that he began to slow the bus approximately 100 metres prior to the turn, activating the retarder system to decelerate. He was unsure if the brake lights were on throughout this time, but he was confident that his indication for a right turn was signalling clearly. As he initiated the turn, he noticed Gleeson’s truck behind him, characterised by its two large headlights in his side mirror, just before feeling the violent impact that shook the bus.
In the aftermath of the collision, Stanley slammed on the brakes and engaged the handbrake, causing the bus to spin and ultimately come to rest on its side. Following the crash, he recalled hearing screams and found himself lying against the bus door, unable to fully assess the scene inside. Despite the chaos, some children managed to free themselves, while others were still restrained by their seatbelts.
Stanley assisted in evacuating a young boy from the bus, alongside other bystanders who came to help. He noted, however, that he could not remember if he was wearing his seatbelt at the time, although he believed all students were secured properly.
The trial continues, with Stanley expected to provide further evidence in the coming days.