School bus driver dies in crash between Rockhampton and Emu Park after hitting camels

A school bus driver has died after hitting two camels in central Queensland.

The driver had been travelling along Emu Park Road at Nankin, near Rockhampton, at 5.15am on Monday.

The vehicle then hit two camels before crashing down an embankment with the force of the impact killing the driver.

Detective Acting Inspector Luke Peachey from Capricorn Crime Group said an investigation has been launched into the matter. 

The driver had been travelling along Emu Park Road at Nankin, near Rockhampton, at 5.15am on Monday

‘It appears at this stage that a bus has collided with two camels as a result the bus driver has lost his life,’ he said.

‘That’s now part of our investigation, we have forensic crash unit there who will be investigating and, as you can imagine, that won’t be a quick process.

‘Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of that bus driver.’ 

Camel racer and breeder John Richardson said his camels had been hit and shared his sympathies with the family of the bus driver. 

I’m just devastated,’ he said. ‘It’s just shocking.’ 

A Queensland Ambulance Service spokesman said a nearby motorist had passed the crash site before calling emergency services. 

The spokesman said it was unclear how long the bus had been stuck in the embankment before it was discovered. 

Emu Park Road near the Thompson Point Road was closed in both directions as police combed the scene.