[Peetwo]

OTSI Greta Bus rollover tragedy: Interim factual statement.

Via OTSI website: https://www.otsi.nsw.gov.au/investigatio...stigations

What happened

Late in the evening of 11 June 2023, Linq Buslines coach number 4666MO departed the Wandin Estate winery in Lovedale for Singleton. It was reported to be carrying 35 passengers who were returning to Singleton after attending an event at the winery.

The coach travelled through Greta township before joining Wine Country Drive in a southbound direction. At about 2330, on approach to the Hunter Expressway westbound onramp, the coach entered a roundabout, and overturned onto the left-hand side. The rollover and subsequent collision resulted in 10 fatalities, significant injuries to multiple passengers, and major damage to the coach.

Investigation scope

Based on findings from OTSI’s preliminary enquiries, the Acting Chief Investigator determined that the incident warranted investigation in accordance with Section 46 of the Passenger Transport Act 1990 (NSW).

The scope of the investigation includes, but is not limited to:

• sequence of events leading up to the rollover/collision
  
• road design, condition, signage and visibility
  
• passenger restraint devices and usage
  
• vehicle condition, roadworthiness and design
  
• vehicle crashworthiness and survivability
  
• emergency exit access, awareness and operability
  
• operator accreditation, and safety management systems.
  

The Acting Chief Investigator has required the Investigator in Charge (IIC) to:

• identify the factors, both primary and contributory, which led to the rollover/collision
  
• advise on any matters arising from the investigation that would enhance the safety of bus operations.
  

The IIC will consult with all Directly Involved Parties (DIPs) throughout the investigation.

IFS PDF link: https://www.otsi.nsw.gov.au/investigatio...-june-2023

Also of interest, I note that yesterday the Acting OTSI Chief Investigator announced the opening of an investigation into a Ferry incident that occurred back on the 15th of February??

Via LinkedIn:  

Office of Transport Safety Investigations (OTSI)
1,806 followers
19h • Edited

The Office of Transport Safety Investigations (OTSI) Acting Chief Investigator has initiated a transport safety investigation into an incident of children going overboard from passenger ferry Violet McKenzie on 16 February 2023.

The ferry, operated by Captain Cook Cruises, was operating the Hunters Hill to Circular Quay passenger route. It departed Hunters Hill wharf at 0801 and made its way to the Riverview College Wharf.

The vessel was secured to the Riverview College Wharf and the gangway deployed on the east top platform, with the vessel laying astern on the deck line and the engine running slow astern. While passengers were disembarking, the vessel drifted away from the wharf, causing the gangway to fall in the water. There were two school students on the gangway at the time. A third student jumped into the water to assist the other two.

The passengers were retrieved from the water before the vessel was repositioned alongside the wharf. The remaining passengers (including the three persons overboard) were then safely disembarked.

Following notification of the incident, OTSI conducted preliminary enquires with the operator and obtained further information, including the operator’s investigation report, which identified several contributing factors, learnings and a corrective action plan.

NSW Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen, MP requested that OTSI investigate this matter, pursuant to Section 46 of the Passenger Transport Act 1990, which enables the Minister to require the Chief Investigator to investigate and report on any transport accident or incident that may affect the safe provision of ferry operations.

The Acting Chief Investigator has initiated an investigation which includes, but is not limited to:

• locations where similar ferry docking circumstances and associated risks may be present
• examining the systems the ferry operator had in place to manage risks associated with wharf design and tidal considerations
• ferry operator crew training and procedures, including emergency response
• the response to the incident by relevant parties.

Information on the role of OTSI, its investigation approach and the scope of this investigation is available in the Interim Factual Statement https://lnkd.in/g3QZytzT

"..NSW Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen, MP requested that OTSI investigate this matter, pursuant to Section 46 of the Passenger Transport Act 1990, which enables the Minister to require the Chief Investigator to investigate and report on any transport accident or incident that may affect the safe provision of ferry operations.."

Hmm...that's a bit embarrassing for the CI?? - 

MTF...P2