A report is being prepared for the coroner about the sudden death of a 29-year-old Lightning Ridge woman who went into cardiac arrest while travelling on a bus that left Dubbo.

The woman, whose name has not been released, had been treated at Dubbo Base Hospital before she boarded a bus on July 12.

Greater Western Area Health Service (GWAHS) could not reveal what the woman was treated for, or whether she had discharged herself from the hospital.

A GWAHS spokesperson did say the incident had been reviewed by “an independent senior clinician” and promised a comprehensive investigation would be conducted.

Paramedics and police were called to the coach when passengers noticed the woman was unconscious, about 60km out of Walgett.

A spokesperson from Railcorp confirmed that a passenger had died while using the service and referred further inquiries to police.

Walgett police officer, Inspector Gregory Lamey said the woman had been travelling on the bus from Dubbo to Lightning Ridge, and was between Coonamble and Walgett when authorities were called because one of the occupants appeared unconscious.

“Police and ambulance officers were summoned to attend because of her deteriorating health,” he said.

“She was taken to Walgett Base Hospital where she was deceased on arrival. A report is being prepared for the coroner.”

Insp Lamey said the woman was taken off the bus and conveyed to hospital by ambulance.

He said a cause of death is for the coroner to determine.

An Ambulance NSW spokesperson said the bus was 60km from Walgett on the Castlereagh Highway when paramedics were called.

“When paramedics arrived, the patient was in cardiac arrest,” the spokesperson said.

“There was an hour in between the time of (paramedics) arrival and the transfer to hospital.

“She was still in cardiac arrest when she was transported, which means she was taken to hospital in a critical condition.”

GWAHS said it would assist the coroner with the inquiry.

“The Greater Western Area Health Service extends its sincere condolences and sympathies to the family during this very distressing time,” the spokesperson said.

“The Area Health Service has spoken to the family.

“The case has been reviewed by an independent senior clinician and the cause of death has not been established. The Area Health Service will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.”

emily.wheeler@ruralpress.com