At least 10 people have died, and 11 are injured, following a bus crash in rural New South Wales overnight.
The crash occurred in the state's Hunter Valley region about 11.30pm (local time) when the coach reportedly rolled at a roundabout.
A guest outside John Hunter Hospital told 9News' Today the bus had been transporting wedding guests from a reception to their accommodation.
"Nobody knows what's going on, just trying to figure out what's going on," he said.
A large-scale emergency response involving six helicopters and three rescue trucks took place, with initial reports suggesting 10 died in the crash and 11 people were rushed to hospital.
NSW police say 18 passengers were uninjured.
"We had a number of crews activated, we had 32 resources in total, that included operational paramedics, supervisors, we had 6 aeromedical resources attend, three rescue trucks, and including obviously other agencies as well," said Paula Sinclair, NSW Ambulance assistant commissioner.
She described the scene as being "very traumatic".
The driver was taken to hospital under police guard for mandatory testing and assessment.
"A crime scene has been established, which will be examined by specialist forensic police and the Crash Investigation Unit," police said.
"An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash has commenced."
Cessnock Mayor Jay Suvaal told 9News the incident was "absolutely horrific".
"My thoughts are obviously with the people involved in the accident, but their families and friends as well as the first responders on the scene, because it must have been truly horrible for them as well," he said.
He said the aftermath and loss of life will send "shockwaves" through the small community.
"We are a close-knit community, and there will be massive showings of support, I would imagine, throughout the day."
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