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.