A 12-year-old girl who died after her school bus rolled over in Stonehaven, Victoria, on Wednesday morning has been identified as Year 7 student Milla Killeen.
The Christian College Geelong student was one of 28 pupils on board when the bus crashed, an incident that also resulted in serious injuries to a 16-year-old boy and injured numerous other students and the driver.
The crash occurred as the bus, carrying students from years 7 to 12, was turning onto the Hamilton Highway.
It rolled, causing critical injuries to Milla Killeen, who could not be revived.
A 16-year-old male student was airlifted to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, while the 76-year-old bus driver and nine other students were treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Police have interviewed the driver, who was released pending further enquiries, and are investigating all potential causes, including mechanical faults and driver error.
School Community Mourns Talented Student
The principal of Christian College Geelong, Mathilda Joubert, paid tribute to Milla Killeen, describing her as a “treasured member of our college community” whose loss is “deeply felt.”
Ms. Joubert remembered the Year 7 student for her “kindness, warmth and joy” and as a talented basketballer who had recently represented the school at a state championship.
The college is providing ongoing support to students, staff, and families affected by the tragedy.