Tributes have been paid outside the school following Monday’s tragedy which claimed the life of a member of staff.
Photo: ABC / Stéphanie Ferrier

Victoria Police are investigating whether an individual act of “bravery” by a teacher’s aide could have saved the lives of several children following a crash in Melbourne’s northwest.

A truck crashed into the playground of Macedon Ranges Montessori preschool in Riddells Creek on Monday, killing Eleanor Bryant, a teaching assistant at the school.

Detective Senior Sergeant Christian Von Tunk, of the Major Collision Investigation Unit, said police were investigating information that Bryant may have successfully prevented children from being struck.

According to him, the death toll from the accident could have been much higher.

“A tragic set of circumstances that could have been much worse,” said Senior Sergeant Von Tunk.

“I don’t know how even one person died today, it’s unbelievable.”

Bryant, 43, died at the scene, while a three-year-old boy suffered arm injuries and was taken to the Royal Children’s Hospital in a non-life-threatening condition.

The company that owns the truck, Mackenzie Water, said the driver suffered a “medical episode” and was recovering in hospital.

Police said the company was assisting authorities with their investigations.

The community mourns a “hero” educator

Clinton Zammit is a local parent whose children previously attended Macedon Ranges Montessori preschool, and said the accident “hit home” as a father.

“I feel sorry for the poor woman who lost her life, her children waking up this morning without a mother,” he said.

“She doesn’t care about anything but the kids, she’s a hero.”

Clinton Zammit says staff member who died in crash was a hero.
Photo: ABC / Stéphanie Ferrier

On ABC TODAYpresenter Alex Cullen paid tribute to his friend Eleanor Bryant, who also came from her hometown of Coonamble in New South Wales.

“There are people in this world that you can’t really believe, who are so kind, so generous, so wonderful and caring,” he said.

“Eleanor Bryant, or EJ to us, was one of those people.”

Cullen said he wasn’t at all surprised by reports of Bryant’s heroics.

“She always, always put others first,” he said.

“We will miss you Eleanor and thank you for everything you have given us.”

The Riddells Creek Basketball Club, where Bryant was uniform coordinator, released a statement Monday expressing condolences.

“Eleanor was the kindest, most caring and funniest friend. She gave generously to her community and was committed to helping RCR kids get onto the field,” the club said.

“Most importantly, Eleanor was an amazing mother and wife.”

Council offers support to affected community members

Macedon Ranges chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan said the community was “absolutely devastated” by the incident.

“Words cannot describe the devastation of our community here,” O’Sullivan said.

“It’s a small, close-knit community and these kinds of events affect so many different families, so the implications will be far-reaching.”

He said telephone counseling services had been made available to community members.

O’Sullivan acknowledged Bryant’s reports of heroism and paid tribute to his act of bravery.

“Eleanor was, like many educators, just passionate about being there for our children,” he said.

“Eleanor was actually one of us, she also worked on council-run sites, so the council is also absolutely saddened by this news.”

He said the board is currently working with the school to find places for its students at other schools while the campus is closed.

Menzies MP Keith Wolahan offered his condolences to the Bryant family in a statement on Facebook.

“Eleanor Bryant is a hero who sacrificed her life to save the children in her care. I hope her family finds comfort in her courage. May she rest in peace,” he said.

-ABC