Bus crash: William Gardiner, Robbie Morrell and Josh Burtenshaw: 'The right thing to do'

Earlier this week, four students - including William Gardiner, Robbie Morrell and Josh Burtenshaw - helped 32 passengers escape the wreck on Hastings River Drive.

They also provided assistance to the injured driver, including administering first aid on the roadside as they waited for paramedics.

But the word hero just doesn't feel right to the group, according to year 12 student William.

"We just did what we had to," he said. "It wasn't about being heroes. It was the right thing to do right then."

The students want the focus to be squarely on the people who rushed to their aid, which included eight Newman College staff members who were travelling behind or near the bus at the time of the crash.

William said they will be forever grateful for the swift actions of emergency services workers, who formed a protective barrier around the injured and shocked children on the side of the road.

"We want to thank all of the emergency services that were there, plus the whole community's efforts," he said, before trailing off as he recalled the difficult day.

"When I was out (of the bus), I looked back down the road and saw all these cars stopped and lights flashing.

"Then people started coming from everywhere to help."

The speed and scale of the community response was much appreciated by those on the bus.

"We're so grateful that we got so much support," said year 11 student Josh.

"Imagine if we were all by ourselves in the middle of nowhere, on the side of the road," continued his classmate, Robbie. "What would we have done?"

Despite their aversion to acclaim, the boys begrudgingly admitted to being proud of their efforts.