A tragic incident unfolded at Auburn South Primary School on Tuesday afternoon, when a vehicle veered off the roadway and crashed through the school’s fence, resulting in the death of an 11-year-old boy and serious injuries to four other children. It was just after 2:30 PM when the car struck, creating chaos and fear among students and parents alike.
The accident occurred as the 40-year-old female driver, who had just picked up her child from the school, attempted to perform a U-turn on Burgess Street. Reports suggest the driver may have suffered from some medical episode, which led to the vehicle's sudden loss of control. Tragically, the car collided with outdoor furniture where five students were currently seated, leading to the catastrophic events.
Emergency services responded quickly to the scene, resulting in several ambulances arriving to assist the injured. First responders rushed the victims to nearby hospitals, with some taken to the Royal Children’s Hospital and Monash Medical Centre. The 11-year-old boy who was critically injured sadly succumbed to his injuries shortly after being transported to the hospital.
Among the other injured were two 11-year-old girls, and a 10-year-old girl and boy. Fortunately, they are reported to be stable, with some receiving treatment at Dandenong Hospital. The emotional toll of the incident reverberated throughout the community; both parents and children struggled to comprehend the tragedy they had witnessed.
Victoria Police quickly descended on the scene, cordoning off the area for investigations. By the end of the night, they managed to remove the white Toyota RAV4 involved from school property, and the arrest of the driver, who remained under police questioning, was confirmed. The police clarified, without placing any immediate charges, citing the investigation was still underway.
Local residents expressed their shock, describing the scene as chaotic. Guy, a local business owner who approached the school following the accident, noted, "There were some kids who were very, very frightened. It was complete chaos, with police cars flooding the area as soon as we arrived."
He witnessed firsthand the community's outpouring of support, as parents rushed to collect their children and comfort one another after such horrifying news.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan extended her condolences to the family and school community, calling it “a very, very sad day.” She acknowledged the collective mourning of the state, stating, "It’s difficult for everyone involved from the first responders to the community and school. We are all feeling the loss of this beautiful little boy, and our thoughts are with his family and friends."
She confirmed additional support would be offered to the school, including counseling services for grieving students and parents.
Inspector Craig McEvoy from the Victoria Police echoed these sentiments, stating, "It's really tough for everybody involved, especially when children are concerned. The death and serious injuries make incidents like this particularly difficult to bear." He confirmed the driver had been interviewed and indicated it seemed like a tragic accident, without any immediate indication of foul play.
The community's grief is palpable, with flowers and heartfelt messages beginning to emerge near the school as locals grapple with the aftermath of this horrific event. Parents whose children attend Auburn South Primary are left anxious about safety, as they recall the everyday routine of school pick-ups and drop-offs suddenly transformed from mundane to catastrophic.
A parent, Lucy, who arrived shortly after the crash described her horror: “I was just driving past and saw the police cars, and my heart dropped. It’s every parent’s worst nightmare; I can only hope the kids are alright.”
Statements from the education department indicate the school remains closed as the investigations proceed and support networks are established to help affected families and staff members cope with their loss. Education Minister Ben Carroll confirmed the government was closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to provide any assistance the school may need.
The incident has sparked wide discussions about road safety near schools and whether additional measures should be taken to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. Residents have called for improved traffic management and safer zones around schools to protect children during peak hours of pick-up and drop-off.
Investigations continue, with the Major Collision Investigation Unit assigned to understand all aspects of this devastating event. Witnesses are being asked to come forward as authorities work to gather comprehensive details.
The reality of the tragedy continues to sink deeply within the fabric of the local community as they unite to offer support and love to the affected families. The loss of the young boy serves as a somber reminder of the vulnerabilities children face, even during the most ordinary of activities such as attending school.
Friends and family members of the 11-year-old boy are left heartbroken, as they come to terms with the sudden and shocking loss. Many take to social media to express their sorrow and share fond memories, encapsulating the significant impact he had on their lives.
Reportedly, the driver and her own child were not injured during the incident, sparking discussions about the psychological toll on her and the family involved. The community seeks to understand how such misfortunes can happen and what measures can be implemented to safeguard their children.
Conversations have already begun about possibly installing additional school zone signage and enhancing the presence of crossing guards during school hours to mitigate risks. The hope remains strong among residents: through mourning, awareness can lead to meaningful action aimed at preventing future tragedies.
With the investigation still underway, the community remains vigilant, united, and focused on healing—their hearts heavy but committed to preserving the memory of the young boy whose life was tragically cut short.
