Driver killed as school bus crashes into escaped camels
A school bus driver has died after his vehicle hit two escaped camels before sunrise in central Queensland in a crash that also killed both of the animals.
Two of John Richardson's camels. (Image: ABC News)
Emergency services were called to the crash on Emu Park Road, east of Rockhampton, after 5am on Monday.
The driver was on his way to start the school bus run before sunrise when the accident happened.
Capricornia Detective Inspector Luke Peachey said the cause of the accident was under investigation.
“It appears at this stage that a bus has collided with two camels and as a result, the bus driver has lost his life,” Peachey told reporters on Monday.
“Our investigations to date have revealed that he was the sole occupant of that bus.”
Details of the bus driver’s age or identity have not been released while relatives are notified.
“It’s a tragic day for the family and friends. Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of that bus driver.”
Veteran camel racer and breeder John Richardson said police notified him the incident involved his animals.
“I’m just devastated,” Richardson told ABC News after finding a gate off its hinges along his fence line.
“I’ve never had a gate come off like that.”
Authorities have appealed for anyone with information or dashcam footage to contact Rockhampton police.
