A man tragically killed when a bus collided with a tree has been identified, as another passenger shared his terrifying experience of the incident.
Rooney Taua, aged 61, was en route to work when the 390 Transperth bus he was riding veered off Joondalup Drive in Wanneroo, located in the northern part of the city, on Thursday morning.
The grandfather, who hailed from New Zealand, sustained severe injuries and unfortunately passed away in the hospital hours later.
The incident also left seven others injured, including the 56-year-old bus driver and a 59-year-old female passenger, who sustained critical injuries but is currently recovering in stable condition.
Eyewitnesses reported that the bus swerved into lanes with oncoming traffic before crashing into the tree, leaving those on board fearing for their lives.
“We were off the road, still going really fast, and I thought I could die and that we could crash into something,” recounted passenger River Thomas, 26, to Nine News.
‘I braced myself. I had eye contact with one of the girls who made me aware of the situation in the first place.
‘We just gave each other a look of fear. It’s hard to describe unless you’re in the moment.’
Perth grandfather Rooney Taua, 61, (right) was on his way to work when tragedy struck
The Transperth bus he was travelling on veered off the road and slammed into a tree at Wanneroo in the city’s north
Mr Thomas leapt into action moments after his head slammed into a glass panel near the rear door of the bus, where he was sitting.
‘I either shut my eyes, or blacked out for a split second,’ he said.
‘I managed to get the back door open. It took a few tries but got it open enough for everyone to get out.’
As police launched an investigation into the crash, Mr Taua was remembered as a beloved husband and devoted father and grandfather who died on ‘what should have been an ordinary morning commute’.
His body will be repatriated to New Zealand for a traditional Māori burial.
‘He was a quiet strength in the lives of those around him, a man who never sought recognition, who simply got on with the job of loving and providing for his family,’ a fundraiser set up by a relative states.
‘His sudden and devastating passing has left a big void in the hearts of his family and friends.
‘Alongside the overwhelming grief of losing a husband, father, son, koro and provider, the family is now facing the immediate financial pressures.’
Seven others on board were also injured, including passenger River Thomas (pictured)
WA Police have launched an investigation into the deadly bus crash
The fundraiser has already raised more than $15,000 to help ease the financial strain on Mr Taua’s grieving family.
‘With this incredible shock, please keep the extended family in your prayers and any support you may be able to offer to this fund would be most appreciated at this time,’ the relative added.
The family added they were grateful for the community support and those who assisted at the crash scene and rushed to Mr Taua’s aid.
Police will examine the full circumstances of the crash and examine footage from the vehicle.
‘They are investigating whether it was a medical episode and that is where their investigation is currently at,’ WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.
‘There is CCTV on board so as a result that will help in understanding exactly what caused that crash.’
Saffioti added that improved safety measures could be considered.
‘It will all be part of the police investigation. I suspect they’ll be looking at all the issues surrounding this,’ she said.
‘This is something that does not happen very often, and just a tragedy for everyone involved.’
