Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has acknowledged the impact of the Auburn South Primary School tragedy on parents across the state. She noted that her thoughts are with the school’s families, adding that the state government will provide continued support in the coming months.
The tragic incident occurred around 2:30 pm when a 40-year-old woman from Hawthorn East, reportedly performing a U-turn on Burgess Street after collecting a child from the school, lost control of her vehicle.
The car then veered off the road, breaking through a fence and crashing into an outdoor table where five children were seated.
Emergency services rushed the injured children to hospital. Sadly, an 11-year-old boy died en route. The four other children — two 11-year-old girls, a 10-year-old girl, and a 10-year-old boy — were hospitalised in serious but stable condition, with two being treated at the Royal Children’s Hospital and the other two at Monash Medical Centre.
Education Minister Ben Carroll expressed deep sympathies to the family of the boy who lost his life, labelling the incident “every parent’s worst nightmare.”
The Victorian Department of Education has since coordinated additional support for the affected school community, with counsellors, chaplains, and relief teachers available to students and staff.
Community leaders have extended condolences to those affected and support is being extended to the Auburn South Primary School community.
Flowers and messages of sympathy lined the school gates early Wednesday as the local community mourned the tragic loss. City of Boroondara officials also expressed condolences, sharing their “deep sadness” and offering support to all those grieving.
Victoria Police Inspector Craig McEvoy described the scene as “tragic,” stating,
“These events are always difficult, particularly when they involve children.”
Police are still investigating the exact cause of the crash, including whether the driver may have suffered a medical episode as initially suspected.
The driver, a 40-year-old Hawthorn East woman, was arrested at the scene and has been released pending further enquiries.
Auburn South Primary reopened today with a heightened police presence and temporary fencing around the crash site.
Police are urging anyone with information, dashcam, or CCTV footage of the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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