Ten children, aged between five and 11, sustained various traumatic injuries, including amputations, as a result of the accident.

A truck driver involved in a collision with a bus has been charged in connection with the accident that caused injuries to over a dozen school children from Melbourne. The incident occurred at the intersection of Exford Rd and Murphys Rd in Eynesbury at 3:45 pm on Tuesday when the bus, carrying 46 children from Exford Primary School, rolled over after the collision. Among the injured were ten children, aged between 5 and 11, who suffered from various traumatic injuries, including crushed limbs, severe lacerations caused by glass shards, and spinal injuries.

Three children had to undergo surgery to have their hands and arms amputated as a result of the accident. The truck driver, identified as Jamie Gleeson, a 49-year-old resident of Balliang East, has been charged with four counts of dangerous driving causing serious injury.

On Wednesday afternoon, Jamie Gleeson appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates Court via video link. During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Gleeson, a father of two, informed the police that he observed a “sudden flicker of light or sun” just before the collision with the bus. However, he expressed uncertainty regarding whether this had any influence on the crash.

Furthermore, Gleeson tested negative for both drugs and alcohol in the blood tests conducted. The court also learned that he has been working as a truck driver for a duration of 18 years.

Jamie Gleeson was granted bail and is scheduled to appear in court on October 18. According to Victoria Police Superintendent Michael Cruse, the incident occurred when the bus, traveling west, was allegedly rear-ended by the truck as it attempted to make a right turn into Murphys Rd, causing the bus to roll over.

Police are investigating the possibility of driver “inattention” as a contributing factor in the collision. Superintendent Cruse commended the swift response of the first responders, including emergency services, teachers, the bus driver, and passing motorists.

Despite sustaining injuries, the bus driver assisted in evacuating some of the children from the bus. Several bystanders also stopped immediately and bravely aided the children who could be safely removed. Teachers present at the scene provided initial medical assistance to the injured children before they were transported to the hospital.

The sudden and severe nature of the injuries, occurring so close to the school after the children had been in their classrooms, is a tragic and unimaginable event.

Superintendent Cruse confirmed that the bus involved in the accident was equipped with seatbelts, although he was uncertain about how many children were actually wearing them at the time of the collision.

Lisa Campo, the principal of Exford Primary School, expressed how the staff initially anticipated a minor incident until they reached the scene and comprehended the severity of the injuries. She recounted receiving a call from a community member informing her about the bus accident and feeling unprepared for what she was about to witness.

She said, “I honestly thought I would just be there comforting some distressed kids who had been in a minor collision. I didn’t ever expect to see that and hope I never see that again.”

Bernadette McDonald, CEO of the Royal Children’s Hospital, provided an update on the conditions of the children and stated that both the families and the children themselves were traumatized by the incident. She mentioned that the parents had to wait until the early hours of the morning to be reunited with their children due to the urgent surgeries the children underwent.

The male driver of the school bus sustained minor injuries and is currently in stable condition.

A spokesperson from the Department of Education assured that they are providing all necessary resources to support the students, staff, and families affected by the tragic event.

The Department of Education expressed their condolences and thoughts for the students, their families, and the staff affected by the collision. They specifically mentioned the injured students and the families impacted by this tragic event.

The spokesperson acknowledged the quick response and support provided by the principal and staff of Exford Primary School, who promptly attended the scene and ensured that every child involved received the necessary care and assistance.

During this challenging period, the department requested that the community respect the privacy of the school community and all those affected by the incident.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews expressed his deep concern regarding the crash during a morning address, describing it as a “horrific incident.” He assured that long-term support would be extended to the affected community.

He emphasized the importance of providing comprehensive support to the injured children, their parents, siblings, and the entire school community. Premier Andrews highlighted the swift response from teachers and other support staff who immediately attended to each injured student, emphasizing the close-knit nature of the community.

Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the collision or possesses any relevant information to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers.