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 Joondalup Drive at Wanneroo in the city’s north on Thursday morning.

The grandfather, who is originally from new Zealand,  suffered critical injuries and died hours later in hospital.

Seven others on board were also injured, including the bus driver, 56, and a female passenger, 59, who suffered critical injuries. She 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 grandfather Rooney Taua, 61, (right) 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 moments after his head slammed into a glass panel near the rear door of the bus, where he was sitting.

‘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, Mr Taua was remembered as a beloved husband and devoted father and grandfather who died on ‘what should have been an ordinary morning commute’.

His body will be repatriated to New Zealand for a traditional Māori 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 set up by a relative 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 also injured, including passenger River Thomas (pictured)

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WA Police have launched an investigation into the deadly bus crash

The fundraiser has already raised more than $15,000 to help ease the financial strain on Mr Taua’s grieving family.

‘With this incredible shock, please keep the extended family in your prayers and any support you may be able to offer to this fund would be most appreciated at this time,’ the relative added.

The family added they were grateful for the community support and those who assisted at the crash scene and rushed to Mr Taua’s aid.

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

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

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

Saffioti added that improved safety measures could be considered.

‘It will all be part of the police investigation. I suspect they’ll be looking at all the issues surrounding this,’ she said.

‘This is something that does not happen very often, and just a tragedy for everyone involved.’

SOURCE: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-15876945/fatal-bus-crash-perth-Rooney-Taua.html