One child was taken to Kilmore Hospital in stable condition following a serious bus crash in Wallan. The 65-year-old bus driver died at the scene, but police described the children’s injuries as serious, yet not life-threatening. Principal Finneran was alerted to the incident by a student on the bus and quickly mobilized support for the students and their families. He communicated with parents to provide information and support, and organized counseling for the shaken students.
Seymour Coaches confirmed that their bus was involved in the accident but declined to comment on the incident. Passerby Colby, a Kilmore carpenter, helped rescue the children from the overturned bus by breaking a window obstructed by a tree. He and others used a ladder to safely evacuate the students, who mostly emerged uninjured with only a few bruises and scratches. Emergency services arrived shortly after to provide further assistance to the shaken students.
Assumption College staff attended a briefing the following morning to discuss the incident and plan for continued support for the impacted students. Finneran emphasized the importance of communication in supporting the families and students through the aftermath of the crash. The school will continue to offer counseling and assistance to help the students cope with the traumatic experience.
The bus crash had a significant impact on the students, who were understandably shaken by the incident. Finneran noted that providing ongoing support and communication to the families was crucial in helping them through the aftermath. The community rallied together to rescue the children from the bus and ensure their safety until emergency services arrived to provide further assistance.
Police will be preparing a report for the coroner to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities are appealing for witnesses with CCTV/dashcam footage or information about the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers on the road and the importance of staying vigilant and prepared to respond in emergency situations.
The school community and local residents demonstrated resilience and unity in responding to the bus crash, coming together to ensure the safety and well-being of the children involved. The tragedy underscored the need for effective communication, support, and preparedness in dealing with emergencies. The ongoing counseling and assistance being provided to the students highlight the commitment of the school and community to help them recover from the traumatic experience.
