The family of a young woman killed in a horror bus crash in Brisbane’s busy CBD have revealed the teen’s heartbreaking final message.
Tia Cameron was killed when an out-of-control commuter bus mounted a packed footpath about 5pm on Friday, pinning the 18-year-old against the wall.
Ms Cameron’s devastated aunt, Karma Te Awithu, said the teen had left a beauty salon and was on her war to have cocktails with her relative when tragedy struck.
“We just feel like she’s been stolen from us,” Ms Awithu told The Courier Mail.
“She messaged me at 4pm saying she was getting her lashes done and asking if I wanted to catch up for a quick cocktail before she headed home.”
Realising the teen was missing, Ms Awithu said she started ringing the hospital, while Ms Cameron’s partner reached out to police to file a missing person’s report.
It wasn’t until about 11pm that evening that police arrived at a relative’s house to deliver the heartbreaking news.
“She was only 18 and had her whole life ahead of her,” Ms Awithu said.
“She was beautiful, outgoing and unique, really unique. She loved the beach, the Gold Coast, fashion and … was really close with all of her family.”
The Brisbane City Council bus is understood to have been turning off Ann St and onto Edward St in the city’s CBD when it lost control.
In a statement, police said the driver of the bus and four passengers sustained minor injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital for assessment.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes to The Courtier Mail, with bricks reportedly sent flying as the bus mounted the kerb before crashing into the building.