Man killed in Transperth bus crash identified as Banksia Grove father

Updated June 5, 2026 — 2:50pm,first published June 4, 2026 — 6:31pm

A 61-year-old man who died after a Transperth bus crashed into a tree in Wanneroo on Thursday has been identified as Banksia Grove father Rooney Taua.

Taua was one of eight people, including the bus’ driver, who were hospitalised following the crash on Joondalup Drive about 11am on Thursday.

A 59-year-old woman was being treated for critical injuries in Royal Perth Hospital, while the 56-year-old bus driver was taken to the same hospital for treatment for his injuries.

Taua was rushed to Joondalup Health Campus with serious injuries, but a WA Police spokesperson confirmed on Friday morning the man had died in hospital.

A fundraiser started by a relative of Taua’s daughter said the tragedy unfolded on “what should have been an ordinary morning commute to work”.

“Like countless other mornings, Rooney, a local Banksia Grove man, left home and boarded the bus to work,” Ben Moore wrote.

“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.

“His sudden and devastating passing has left a big void in the hearts of his family and friends.”

Five other passengers were treated for minor injuries at Joondalup Health Campus after the bus hit a tree when the driver lost control.

It is understood the bus mounted the median strip, crossed onto the wrong side of the road and then hit the tree.

Eight St John WA crews attended the scene, in addition to special operations paramedics.

Witness Tia Anderson told 9News Perth she saw the bus moments before the accident and was first on the scene to help.

“My first thought was, ‘oh my God, there’s someone in critical condition’ … my first instincts was give them the blankets and first-aid kit, we all started CPR,” she said.

A Public Transport Authority spokesperson said the vehicle involved in the crash was a route 390 bus.

WA Police’s Major Crash division is investigating the crash and have urged any witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers.

South of the river, police are also investigating an earlier crash where a 73-year-old male pedestrian was hit by a car near St John of God Hospital in Murdoch.

“At about 10.10am, a Nissan Tiida sedan was travelling near the Murdoch Hospital Emergency Department when, for unknown reasons, it was involved in a collision with a pedestrian, before subsequently crashing into the building,” a WA Police spokesperson said.

The pedestrian was initially treated at the Murdoch hospital before being taken to Royal