In the early afternoon on Monday a truck crashed into the Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool at Riddells Creek, killing a teacher and seriously injuring a three-year-old child.
The water tanker truck veered off the road before crashing through the fence of the preschool and into the playground area where several teachers and children were located
Emergency services attended the scene as Riddell Creek Main road was closed in all directions while they responded to the horrific incident.
Eleanor Bryant, a teacher who worked with special needs students, was struck by the truck and died at the scene. A young boy also suffered serious injury and was taken to the Royal Children’s Hospital in a stable condition.
Victoria Police chief commissioner Shane Patton said preliminary reports showed Ms Bryant's actions during the crash saved the lives of several children. "I'm led to believe she acted heroically and moved a number of children out of the way of the vehicle".
The truck driver was transported to hospital and is assisting police inquiries.
This incident comes less than two weeks after an 11-year-old boy was killed and four other students injured after an SUV crashed through a primary school fence in Auburn South in Melbourne’s east.
Is it time to consider applying school zone speed limits to all childhood education facilities including preschools and kindergartens and possibly impact absorbing bollards?
Read more - Woman dead, child hurt in kindergarten crash tragedy – AAP
Community pays tribute to 'hero' teacher's aide after preschool crash - ABC News
