Community mourns 11-year-old boy killed in Melbourne schoolyard crash after driver released

A local community in Melbourne is in mourning after a car crashed through a fence, killing a schoolboy and seriously injuring four other children.

A 40-year-old woman had just picked up her child from Auburn South Primary School in Melbourne’s east on Tuesday when the incident occurred.

As she attempted to perform a U-turn, the car crashed through the school’s gate and crashed into a group of children sitting at a table.

An 11-year-old boy was seriously injured in the crash and died on the way to hospital.

Two 11-year-old girls, a 10-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy were seriously injured and taken to hospital.

Police officers investigate a crime scene near a Melbourne school.

Victoria Police at a crime scene at Auburn South Primary School, Tooronga Rd, Hawthorn East, in Melbourne. Source: MONKEY / JOEL CARRETT

The driver, from Hawthorn East, was arrested and questioned by detectives.

However, no charges were filed and she was released overnight pending further investigations.

The woman and child in the car were not injured.

‘Tragic accident’

Detectives worked late into the evening to investigate the circumstances of the crash, which Inspector Craig McEvoy said appeared to be a “tragic accident”.

“It’s really tough for everyone involved, from the community, the school community, locals, first responders, ambulances and police,” he said.

“These events are always difficult when there are deaths and serious injuries, but especially difficult when children are involved.”

The car had a green P plate, but McEvoy said he was unsure of the woman’s driver’s license status.

Prime Minister Jacinta Allan offered her condolences and said the incident cast a “dark shadow”, while opposition leader and local MP John Pesutto said it was a “painful shock”.