Car Veers into School in Melbourne: 11-Year-Old Dies, 4 Injured

Police tape is seen at a protest in Sydney, Australia, on July 19, 2015. Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

An 11-year-old primary school boy suffered critical injuries and tragically passed away after a 40-year-old woman drove her car through a school fence in Melbourne on Oct. 29.

The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. when a vehicle traveling along Burgess street veered off the road and crashed into the fence at Auburn South Primary School. The driver was taken into custody at the scene and later released pending further inquiries.

The woman had arrived to pick up her son from the school and was attempting a U-turn when the fatal incident took place.

While her son was unharmed, one 11-year-old boy sustained critical injuries and later passed away in the hospital.

Four other children—two 11-year-old girls, one 10-year-old girl, and a 10-year-old boy—sustained serious injuries and were also hospitalised.

According to a police statement, the cause of the crash remains under investigation, with preliminary reports suggesting the driver may have suffered a medical episode.

The car displayed a green P-plate, but Police Chief Commissioner Shane McEvoy noted that the woman’s licence status was still unclear as inquiries continue.

Community in Shock and Mourning

Local residents and parents were devastated as news of the incident spread.

Lucy, a parent whose son was friends with some of the affected children, shared her experience with radio station 3AW.

“We got a text message from the school just saying that Burgess St was closed,” she said. “I drove by and saw police cars; then more and more started arriving. It’s every parent’s worst nightmare.”

Witnesses reported that the road often becomes busy with traffic, especially around school start and end times, with some cars reportedly speeding.

Resident Don Owen told local media that the incident heightened the community’s concerns about road safety near the school.

School and Leaders Respond

In a statement, the Department of Education confirmed it was working closely with Auburn South Primary School’s staff, students, and parents to offer support during this difficult time.

School principal Marcus Wicher expressed condolences, describing the incident as “a complete tragedy.” He extended sympathy to the family and friends of the young boy, identified as Jack, and urged the media to respect the school’s privacy.

Messages of condolence poured in from local leaders, including Premier Jacinta Allan, who said the tragedy cast a “dark shadow” over Melbourne and Victoria.

Federal Member for Kooyong Monique Ryan also offered her sympathy, saying, “We are all so saddened by this devastating tragedy.”

Victorian Opposition Leader and Member for Hawthorn, John Pesutto, expressed deep sorrow, describing Auburn South Primary as a “tight-knit community” that would feel this loss profoundly.