Identification of the Victim and Survivor’s Account
A tragic bus rollover along the Bruce Highway in north Queensland has resulted in the death of a 26-year-old Argentinian-Italian tourist named Serena Andreatta. The incident occurred south of Townsville on Thursday, leaving 17 other passengers injured, with three suffering severe injuries. Nine others did not require medical attention.
Erica Chindamo, one of the survivors, shared her experience with 9News, expressing that she did not blame the bus driver for the crash. “The driver was a lovely man, he was really kind, he was gentle,” Ms Chindamo said. She added, “I just have concern that maybe he shouldn’t have been alone for a trip this long.”
Ms Chindamo recalled being asleep when the bus rolled over. She described waking up on broken windows and witnessing a panicked friend of the deceased. “I remember someone saying ‘I can’t find my friend’. That girl is not moving and she was literally three seats in front of me.” She emphasized the emotional impact of the event, stating, “I don’t think as much as you see it you will ever be ready to see someone die.”
Company Response and Background
FlixBus, the coach operator involved in the incident, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life. “We are heartbroken to learn one passenger has since passed away in hospital,” the company stated. “Our thoughts are with their family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
FlixBus, which only started operating in Australia last year, has been active across Europe since 2011. The crash occurred 135km south of Townsville on Thursday afternoon, on the Bruce Highway, known for its history of fatal crashes linked to maintenance standards or delayed upgrades.
In June 2024, a similar incident occurred on the same stretch of highway near Gumlu, where a tourist coach hit a car head-on, killing three passengers. The Greyhound bus driver in that case was found not guilty of dangerous driving causing death and grievous bodily harm.
Premier’s Comments on the Highway
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli highlighted the need for improvements on the Bruce Highway. “Without speaking specifically about the incident, I’ve long been on the record (for) the need to improve that Bruce Highway,” he said. “It’s such an important road for our state, for our nation, and it’s not up to scratch, and we have to do everything we can to continue to invest in it so we can take it to the next level.”
Ms Andreatta had traveled through southeast Asia before arriving in Australia. The bus was operated by a contractor to FlixBus. The 70-year-old bus driver from Mackay also suffered minor injuries.
Mr Crisafulli previously described Ms Andreatta as being on “a trip of a lifetime.” “Someone in the prime of their life, on the trip of a lifetime, in another country, has lost their life,” he told ABC News. “I think today people want me to acknowledge what is an incredible tragedy, and we should pause and reflect on that.”
Details About the Passengers
Queensland Police Superintendent Dean Cavanagh mentioned that of the 28 passengers on the bus traveling from Cairns to Airlie Beach, most were foreign nationals. “All of those passengers were tourists, the majority were from overseas,” he previously told the media. This highlights the international nature of the tragedy and the impact on families from different countries.
