Nine victims of the catastrophic wedding bus crash in the NSW Hunter Valley remain in hospital as the community prepares for an evening vigil to remember those who lost their lives.
NSW Health said on Thursday most of the 25 patients treated in hospitals after the Sunday night crash at Greta had been discharged.
But seven people remained at John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition, while two were in a stable condition at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, it said.
Family and friends of the victims are invited to a community gathering on Thursday night near the site of the crash.
The community of Singleton has been hardest hit by the transport disaster, with seven locals among the 10 people killed as the group returned from a wedding.
A flyer for the vigil said it would be a chance “to pay respect to those who lost their lives and to their families and say thanks to our first responders and to show solidarity following the tragic accident”.
Many in the grieving community have made a pilgrimage to a makeshift memorial at the crash site, laying flowers, cards and teddy bears in tribute.
Counselling and support is being offered at centres at Singleton and Branxton as the tight-knit community grapples with the loss.
Several of the victims were closely involved with the Singleton Roosters AFL club and the AFL Central Coast has cancelled its seniors matches this weekend out of respect.
Premier Chris Minns visited the areas on Wednesday to lay a wreath and announce a $100,000 donation to a fund for survivors, victims and their immediate families.
Investigations into the crash continue and the bus driver, Brett Button, 58, faced Cessnock Local Court on Tuesday charged with 10 counts of dangerous driving causing death.
Anyone wanting to support the families and injured with a donation are encouraged to visit rawcs.org.au.
– AAP
