A tragic incident unfolded Tuesday afternoon in Melbourne’s inner east when a vehicle crashed into Auburn South Primary School in Hawthorn East, resulting in the death of one child and leaving several others injured.
Emergency responders from Ambulance Victoria arrived on the scene at Tooronga Road after receiving reports of a white SUV colliding with the school fence around 2:30 p.m.
The collision left an 11-year-old student in critical condition, who was immediately transported to the hospital but tragically succumbed to his injuries.
Two other children—a ten-year-old boy and two 11-year-old girls—were also taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
The Major Collision Investigation Unit (MCIU) has launched a thorough investigation.
According to police, the female driver, a 40-year-old P-plater, had reportedly performed a U-turn while attempting to pick up her child from the school before colliding with the school gate.
She was taken into custody for questioning, and investigators are considering whether a medical episode may have played a role in the crash. Charges have not been confirmed at this time.
Inspector Craig McEvoy of the MCIU described the incident as a distressing scene, particularly given the involvement of young children.
Auburn South Primary School has been temporarily closed, and all parents were promptly notified of the incident.