Hero kindy worker killed in crash named

The hero kindy worker who pushed children aside when a water tanker crashed into a playground at a pre-school in Victoria has been named.

Eleanor Bryant, 43, died as she tried to save playing children at the Macedon Ranges Montessori Pre-School, in Riddells Creek, on Monday afternoon, the Herald Sun reported.

Ms Bryant was a speech pathologist and a mother of an 11-year-old boy a nine-year-old girl.

A three-year-old boy has been taken to hospital with serious arm injuries but no other children were injured in the incident, a fact that police said was “unbelievable”.

The owner of the trucking company whose vehicle crashed into the school said the driver suffered a medical incident.

Detective Senior Sergeant Christian Von Tuk said it was a “tragic” incident that “could have been a lot worse” as a number of children and staff were in and near the playground area.

“This is one of those close calls that I don’t know how only one person has died today. It’s unbelievable,” he said.

“At this stage it does not appear to be any type of deliberate act.”

Sen Sergeant Von Tuk said the kindergarten building was not damaged but the tanker crashed through the playground, extensively damaging the play equipment.

“I dare say there’ll be some kids getting squeezed very tightly tonight,” Senior Sergeant Von Tuk said.

The truck involved belongs to McKenzie Water. Owner Alan McKenzie said the 68-year-old driver of the vehicle had a medical episode.

“We are in shock and offer our heartfelt condolences to everyone involved,” he said in a statement.

“As a small, family-owned business, we are devastated following the tragic crash … this is an incredibly distressing time, and our deepest sympathies go to those involved and their families and friends.

“Sadly, one person has lost their life, and a child has been injured.

“Our experienced 68-year-old driver is understood to have suffered a medical episode and remains in hospital.

“We are doing what we can to support him and his family. We thank staff and emergency workers who responded. We are assisting authorities with their investigations.

“McKenzie Water has been operating in Melbourne and Victoria for 40 years, and our priority has always been safety and compliance.”

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said it was “a terrible incident”

“Our thoughts are with the family of the victims and the broader Riddells Creek community,” she said.

“We thank our first responders who are on scene investigating and helping those injured.”

The incident comes less than a fortnight after an 11-year-old boy was killed when a car crashed into a Melbourne schoolyard.

Jack Davey died after the accident at Auburn South Primary School on Tooronga Rd in Hawthorn East on October 29.

Three girls – two aged 11 and one aged 10 – as well as a 10-year-old boy were also taken to hospital with serious injuries.

-With NCA newswire.