A "beloved husband" and "devoted father" has been identified as the man killed in a shocking bus crash during what should have been an "ordinary morning commute to work."
Rooney Taua, 61, suffered critical injuries when the Transperth bus he was a passenger on slammed into a tree on Joondalup Drive in the northern Perth suburb of Wanneroo just after 11 a.m. on Thursday. The Banksia Grove man was rushed to hospital but died overnight.
Taua, originally from New Zealand, is being remembered as a beloved husband, a devoted father to his daughter, a cherished son, and a respected koro — or Maori elder.
"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," loved one Ben Moore said in a GoFundMe set up to support Taua's family. "His sudden and devastating passing has left a big void in the hearts of his family and friends."
Shocked loved ones said Thursday had started like "countless" others, with Taua leaving home and boarding the bus for what "should have been an ordinary morning commute to work." Tragically he never made it.
His devastated family have thanked the community for its support and to those who assisted at the accident and cared for him.
Witnesses said the bus had veered into lanes of oncoming traffic before slamming into the tree.
"I've noticed some women straight away going into the lane and doing CPR on this gentleman," said Tia Anderson, who was driving behind the bus before it crashed. "We were all trying to get blankets under his head."
The crash triggered a major response from emergency services. A 59-year-old woman is currently stable after she was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital in a critical condition. Five others — including the 56-year-old male bus driver — were taken to hospital with less severe injuries.
"It has now been passed to the police who have control of the incident," Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said on Friday. "They are investigating whether it was a medical episode and that is where their investigation is currently at."
Footage from inside the bus will be examined. "There is CCTV on board so as a result that will help in understanding exactly what caused that crash," the minister said. "This is a horrific incident, accident. The police are now investigating the full circumstances."
Taua's family hope to repatriate his body to his native New Zealand for a traditional burial. The major crash investigation is ongoing and anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers.
