Truck Driver Sentenced to Over a Decade for Catastrophic School Bus Collision
A 63-year-old truck driver has been handed a prison sentence exceeding 12 years after a horrific crash with a school bus that left multiple students with serious, life-altering injuries.
Brett Michael Russell was behind the wheel of his 62-tonne vehicle when he collided with the rear of a bus carrying 32 people on a September day in 2022. The bus was transporting 27 students and staff from Loreto College Ballarat who were en route to Melbourne Airport for a trip to a NASA camp in the United States.
Admitted Negligence and Serious Consequences
In a sobering admission to the Victorian County Court in October, Russell pleaded guilty to a total of 12 offences. The charges included 10 counts of negligently causing serious injury.
The court heard that Russell was fully aware his truck's braking system was defective before he decided to drive on 21 September 2022. Despite this knowledge, he proceeded, leading to the catastrophic collision in Bacchus Marsh.
Miraculously, no one died in the incident. However, the majority of the bus's passengers required hospital treatment. Ten individuals, understood to be students, sustained particularly severe injuries, including spinal fractures.
Sentencing and Remorse
While Russell's barrister argued his client had shown 'fundamental decency' through his early admissions to police and guilty plea, Judge Michael O'Connell emphasised the gravity of his actions.
Judge O'Connell sentenced Russell to 12 years and nine months in jail. He acknowledged the driver's frankness with investigators and profound remorse but stated unequivocally, 'You knew you were taking a serious risk.'
The judge also noted the immense suffering endured by the students, teachers, bus driver, and witnesses, describing the event as a nightmare for all involved.
Russell, who was already in custody, watched his sentencing via video link from prison. He will become eligible for parole after serving a minimum of eight years behind bars.
