A man who was killed after a bus slammed into a tree has been identified, as another passenger on board described fearing for his life.

Rooney Taua, 61, was on his way to work when the 390 Transperth bus he was travelling on veered off the road at Wanneroo in the city’s north on Thursday morning.

The father-of-one suffered critical injuries and died hours later in hospital.

Seven others on board were also injured, including a woman, 59, who suffered critical injuries but is now in a stable condition.

Witnesses claimed the bus veered into lanes of oncoming traffic before slamming into the tree, while those on board feared for their lives.

‘We were off the road, still going really fast and I thought I could die and that we could crash into something,’ passenger River Thomas, 26, told Nine News.

‘I braced myself. I had eye contact with one of the girls who made me aware of the situation in the first place.

‘We just gave each other a look of fear. It’s hard to describe unless you’re in the moment.’

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Perth father Rooney Taua, 61, was on his way to work when tragedy struck

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The Transperth bus he was travelling on veered off the road  and slammed into a tree at Wanneroo in the city’s north

Mr Thomas leapt into action moment after his head slammed into a glass panel near the rear door of the bus

‘I either shut my eyes, or blacked out for a split second,’ he said.

‘I managed to get the back door open. It took a few tries but got it open enough for everyone to get out.’

As police launched an investigation into the crash, Taua was remembered as a beloved husband and devoted father who died on ‘what should have been an ordinary morning commute’.

His body will repatriated back to New Zealand for a traditional burial.

‘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,’ a fundraiser states.

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

‘Alongside the overwhelming grief of losing a husband, father, son, koro and provider, the family is now facing the immediate financial pressures.’

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Seven others on board were injured, including passenger River Thomas

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Police have launched an investigation of the deadly bus crash

The fundraiser has raised almost $15,000 within hours.

Police will examine the full circumstances and examine footage from the vehicle.

‘They are investigating whether it was a medical episode and that is where their investigation is currently at,’ Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.

‘There is CCTV on board so as a result that will help in understanding exactly what caused that crash.’

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