A girl has died and a boy has been flown to hospital with serious injuries after a school bus rolled over in a regional town near Geelong in Victoria, police said.
Twenty-eight students from Christian College Geelong were on board the bus to school when it crashed in Stonehaven about 8.20am on Wednesday.
Victoria Police's detective senior sergeant Paul Lineham said the bus was travelling south towards the Hamilton Highway when it's believed to have "failed to negotiate a left-hand bend," and hit a rail, causing the bus to roll over.
"Sadly as a result, a female student died and numerous students were injured," he told reporters on Wednesday afternoon.
A Victoria Police statement said students on board the bus ranged from primary to secondary school age.
Victoria Police detective senior sergeant Paul Lineham (left) and Ambulance Victoria's David Shearer (right) speak to media at the scene of the fatal bus crash. Source: AAP / Joel Carrett
The bus driver, a 76-year-old man, along with nine other students, received non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to the hospital by road ambulance.
A further 14 students were taken to hospital for observation, police said.
The driver has been released from hospital and is helping police with their inquiries.
Lineham said the exact circumstances surrounding the collision are unknown.
"We'll take into consideration everything, from the mechanics of the bus through to the conditions at the time," he said.
'Very confronting'
Lineham said the scene of the crash was "very confronting" for emergency services.
"Any life lost on the road is one life too many — and particularly confronting and challenging when there are children involved," he said.
"As a parent myself, it really does hit home."
Ambulance Victoria area manager David Shearer said it has been a "very challenging day" for everyone involved — from first responders, to parents, students and the school community.
"When you're presented with a crash on this sort of magnitude with children that's a very confronting scene. I take my hat off to all the first responders who attended today."
In a statement, Ambulance Victoria said two air ambulance crews attended, along with two intensive care ambulances and four advanced life support paramedic road crews.
'Profoundly distressing situation for our community'
Christian College Geelong's executive principal, Mathilda Joubert, also confirmed a student had died in the accident and that several others were injured.
"Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the families impacted. We are supporting them through this incredibly difficult time," Joubert said.
"This is a profoundly distressing situation for our entire school community."
In a statement on X, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said her thoughts are with the students, their families, the school and the entire Geelong community.
"We stand ready to support you in every way we can," Allan said.
The premier thanked the first responders who have "acted with professionalism and compassion in such difficult circumstances".
"This tragedy will weigh heavily on them too — especially in what is already a dark and difficult week. These moments touch us all. They remind us to hold our loved ones a little tighter."
'Devastating news'
Local member Richard Marles earlier responded to the incident on X, saying: "My heart breaks hearing the devastating news of a school bus incident and death of a student in my hometown of Geelong."
"My first thoughts are with the family, friends and the school at this time and those that are injured.
"I am mindful the incident is still unfolding and further information is still coming to light but I do know this will affect so many in Geelong as we are a tight-knit community."
Victoria Police detective senior sergeant Paul Lineham (left) said the exact circumstances surrounding the collision are currently unknown. Source: AAP / Joel Carrett
"This unimaginable tragedy will cause immense distress within the local community. My thoughts are with the students, families, and school community at this heartbreaking time," Wilson said.
"The Victorian Opposition stands ready to work with the government and parliament to ensure all necessary supports are provided to those affected."
