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Melbourne School Tragedy: SUV Crash Claims Child's Life, Community Rallies in Support

October 31, 2024
Melbourne School Tragedy: SUV Crash Claims Child's Life, Community Rallies in Support
  • A tragic accident unfolded at Auburn South Primary School in Hawthorn East, Melbourne, when a Toyota SUV struck a group of children on the afternoon of October 29, 2024.

  • Tragically, an 11-year-old boy named Jack was killed in the crash, while four other children, three girls and one boy, sustained injuries and were hospitalized.

  • Inspector Craig McEvoy from Victoria Police described the incident as a 'tragic accident' and acknowledged the emotional toll it has taken on the community and first responders.

  • Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan expressed her distress over the tragedy, emphasizing the need for ongoing support for the affected families and the school community.

  • In a show of solidarity, Premier Allan and Education Minister Ben Carroll visited the school to pay their respects and lay flowers at the memorial on October 31.

  • The incident occurred around 2:30 PM when a 40-year-old woman attempted a U-turn after picking up her child from school, causing her vehicle to veer off the road and crash through the school fence.

  • Initial investigations suggest that the driver may have suffered a medical incident while making the U-turn, leading to the collision with outdoor seating where children were present.

  • The Royal Children’s Hospital reported that two of the injured children were in stable condition, while two others were taken to Monash Medical Centre.

  • The driver was arrested at the scene and interviewed by police, but has since been released pending further investigation.

  • A fundraiser for Jack's family has raised approximately $150,000 to assist with expenses related to his death and to support them during this difficult time.

  • In the wake of the tragedy, Auburn South principal Marcus Wicher praised the school community for its strength and announced the provision of extra teachers and counseling services.

  • The local community is in mourning, with parents accompanying their children to school and laying flowers at a makeshift memorial to honor Jack.

Summary based on 8 sources


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