Cyclist dead after horror crash with school bus on Ocean Drive in Bunbury

A cyclist has died and another was injured after being hit by a school bus on a coast road in Bunbury this morning. South West Insp. Steve George said the bus was travelling on Ocean Drive about 8.30am when it collided with the cyclists — killing a 63-year-old woman — at the corner of Upper Esplanade before coming to a stop at the Bunbury Recreation Ground 100m away. Pictures taken by the South Western Times show the front windscreen of the bus smashed in. The 66-year-old female bus driver and the hurt cyclist — a 64-year-old woman — were taken to hospital for treatment for non-life threatening injuries. Another man holding a bike helmet was seen leaving in an unmarked vehicle. Four bikes, which appeared to be destroyed, were on a verge near the recreation ground. Police said that four schoolchildren were on the bus — three from Bunbury Senior High School and one from College Row — but were not hurt. Insp. George said the Education Department representatives attended the scene to help the students return to school. “Department staff and psychologists are providing support to students who are impacted following today’s incident,” South West education director Sue Cuneo said. “This support will continue for as long as it is needed.” About 10 to 15 police officers were witnessed onsite, along with three ambulances. Police have fenced off a section of the recreation ground oval and closed part of Ocean Drive. Upper Esplanade is closed between Scott and Symmons streets and Ocean Drive is shut between Scott and Clifton streets. A detour is in place but pedestrians and motorists are encouraged to avoid the area and travel with caution.