Bride and groom who lost 10 wedding guests in horror crash speak for first time
The accident, which happened in New South Wales, Australia, reportedly happened when the bus was on its way to the wedding reception.
In their first statement since the accident, the couple said: “While we appreciate the outpouring of love and support from the community, we ask that the media respect our privacy while we grieve.
“Our primary focus at this time is processing this tragedy, and supporting our family and friends, which is why we’d like to formally decline any requests for media interviews.”
The groom’s parents have also broken their silence since the accident, they have called for bus seatbelts.
Posting on LinkedIn, Mr John Gaffney said: “It was a glorious occasion until news of the bus crash with ten people losing their lives came within a few hours that has shattered many lives.
“Hopefully something positive can come out of this tragedy. Fifty years ago the fitting and wearing of seat belts became compulsory in Australia for all occupants of motor cars saving countless lives since.
“Whilst my wife and I can’t do this on our own we believe ultimately everyone who rides a bus should have access to a seatbelt and be compelled by laws to wear them.”
Mr Gaffney is urging others to try and lobby lawmakers to demand the change. Mr Gaffney’s comments were echoed by his wife, Carolyn.
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Posting on Facebook, she wrote: “So that something ‘good’ can come out of this our family would appreciate if the community would lobby the state and federal governments to ensure that seatbelts are provided in all buses and the wearing of them made compulsory.
“We have the opportunity to change the law and the more support we have the greater the likelihood of change.
“Everyone riding on a bus should have access to a seat belt and be compelled by law to wear it.”
Around 40 people were riding in the bus when it left the Wandin Valley resort on June 11. Among the victims were seven members of a local football club; the club has also issued a statement asking for privacy.
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A spokesperson for the team said: “The Singleton Roosters Australian Football Club has been devastated by the tragic bus incident in the Hunter Valley.
“Our community has experienced unfathomable heartache, distress, and sadness after a number of people closely connected to the club were on board and either injured or killed.”
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