The bus was carrying 45 students when it was hit from behind by a truck on Tuesday afternoon local time and flipped over. The truck driver has been charged with dangerous driving resulting in serious injuries. “It’s just harrowing what our children had to go through,” said school principal Lisa Campo to the media on the spot.
According to police, the bus had just left Exford Primary School when the collision occurred. The children were trapped in the bus for some time before rescuers and bystanders were able to free them from the wreckage.
The severely injured children were operated until early in the morning. Their injuries included crushed limbs – which had to be amputated – as well as head wounds, spinal injuries and deep lacerations. Seven children remain in serious condition in hospital, including one child in intensive care, Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital said.
The 52-year-old bus driver was also taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Truck driver Jamie Gleeson, 49 – who suffered minor injuries – has since been charged with four counts of dangerous driving. “This incident was avoidable,” said Superintendent Michael Cruse. The investigation is ongoing, but Cruse said the driver’s “inattentiveness” will be a major focus and more charges are likely to follow.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also attended. He thanked the aid workers and expressed his condolences to the families involved. “Every accident is horrible, the fact that students are involved breaks your heart,” it sounds.