A female Christian College Geelong student has died and several children have been injured after a school bus rolled over in a horrific accident.
It’s understood the the female student died at the scene.
She and other injured children were on a bus own and maintained by the college, which has three campuses in the region.
Daily Mail contacted the school for comment but were referred to an Independent Schools Victoria spokesperson.
The school has said it is ‘affected’ by the horror crash and parents have been notified.
The horror crash occurred at the intersection of the Hamilton Highway and Friend In Hand Road at Stonehaven, just outside of Geelong, Victoria, at 8.20am on Wednesday.
It’s understood nine children and an adult are receiving treatment in hospital after several students were witnessed getting stretchered to ambulances.
The identity of the deceased student has yet to released as police investigate how the tragic accident occurred.
A schoolgirl has died and a male has been seriously injured after a school bus rolled over
The crash occurred at the intersection of the Hamilton Highway and Friend In Hand Road at Stonehaven, just outside of Geelong, Victoria, at 8.20am on Wednesday
The college bus was understood to have been carrying about 40 students when it crashed and rolled-over.
Parents raced to the crash site while paramedics treated patients.
A male has been seriously injured and his condition is not yet known.
Other students have also been injured.
A black tarp is covering the front of the rolled-over bus while several students were photographed standing near the scene cloaked in blankets.
Victoria Police escorted some parents to the crash site while the majority of the other students were transported from the scene in another bus.
An Ambulance Victoria spokesman said an ‘update will be provided as information becomes available’.
Several children were seen wrapped in blankets and being transferred onto another bus following the crash.
Stonehaven is in the Geelong region of Victoria west of Melbourne
Victoria Police set up a command post on Wednesday morning.
Christian College Geelong owns and operates a fleet of 30 buses, transport almost 900 students to and from campuses across Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast daily on 23 separate routes, the Geelong Advertiser reported.
The school’s website states buses are maintained for the ‘highest level of passenger safety and comfort’ with its Highton depot including a two-bay garage with a hoist and employs two full-time bus mechanics.
The buses aren’t just used to travel to and from school, with some used for excursions, sporting events, camps and music and outdoor education trips.
Geelong locals took to social media to express their sadness over the ‘horrific’ accident.
‘A school in our own backyard sending so much love to CCG, students, teachers and the whole CC school community,’ a local mum posted on Facebook.
‘This is just devastating for any parent or carer who pops their children on a bus before and after school, in the hope they get their safely. Hits so close to home.’
Others highlighted the crash occurred at a ‘horrible stretch of road’ while others hoped the tragedy would lead to the road getting fixed.
‘Maybe now they will fix the road?,’ a local Facebook user posted.
‘Pity it always takes a death.’
Liberal MP for Western Victoria Bev McArthur said she was saddened to hear reports of the incident and her thoughts were with those affected.
‘So worrying to hear reports of a bus crash involving school students on the Hamilton Highway near Stonehaven,’ she wrote on X.
‘My thoughts are with all the children, families, staff, and emergency responders at this difficult time.’
The Department of Transport confirmed the Hamilton Highway is closed in both directions for a stretch between Inverleigh and Geelong.
Motorists should consider using the Geelong Ring Road, Princes Highway, and Inverleigh-Winchelsea Road, adding nearly 30km to the journey,’ a statement said.
‘The closure is under the control of Victoria Police, and the road will be reopened once investigations are complete and it is safe to do so.
‘Our signals team is monitoring conditions and will adjust traffic lights as needed to minimise congestion for detouring traffic.’
State opposition education spokeswoman Jess Wilson expressed her deepest condolences to the ‘students and families impacted by the accident’.
‘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,’ she said.
‘The safety and wellbeing of students in educational settings is paramount. The Victorian Opposition stands ready to work with the Government and parliament to ensure all necessary supports are provided to those affected.’
