Boy dies after tragic bike, bus collision at Buderim

A tight-knit Sunshine Coast community is mourning the ‘heartbreaking’ loss of an 11-year-old boy who was tragically killed when struck by a bus riding home from school.

A boy has died following a tragic crash on July 16. Picture: Patrick Woods.

A tight-knit school community is mourning the ‘heartbreaking’ loss of a local 11-year-old boy who was tragically killed when he was struck by a school bus riding home from school.

Residents have been leaving flowers at the scene since the tragedy, with one parent claiming she has been comforting her daughter who was on the bus at the time.

Matthew Flinders Anglican College student Gurmantar Gill, 11, died on Tuesday after he was struck by a bus while riding his bike at the corner of Jingellic Dr and Karawatha Dr in Buderim about 4pm.

College principal Michelle Carroll said the school community was “deeply saddened” by the boy’s death.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” she said.

Flowers left at the scene. Picture - Madeline Grace.

“Our primary concerns are supporting the family and the wellbeing of our school community.

“We are providing counselling and support to our students, staff and families as we navigate this heartbreaking time together.

“We urge the community to please respect the family’s privacy.”

Emergency services were called to the incident along Jingellic Dr at Buderim about 3.30pm on Tuesday.

A number of students from Mountain Creek State School were on the bus at the time, with six treated on the scene by paramedics.

Mountain Creek State School principal Sean Bennett emailed parents regarding the tragic crash.

“As you may be aware, a traffic incident involving a student from a non-state school and the CDC Queensland bus service 5795 occurred this afternoon,” he said.

“This incident was witnessed by a number of Mountain Creek State School students that were on the bus and we have support and counsellors in place for anyone needing to talk.

“As I am sure you can appreciate, I cannot go into any more details due to privacy reasons.

“I want to reassure you that we treat the safety and welfare of your children, our students, as our highest priority.”

Police investigate a tragic crash that has killed an 11-year-old boy. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Police are on scene at a tragic crash in which an 11-year-old has died. Picture: Patrick Woods.

A Queensland Ambulance Service spokeswoman said multiple paramedics were working to stabilise the boy before he was taken to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital with severe chest and head injuries.

It is understood the second person taken to the hospital was an adult man and a bus occupant.

The driver, a man in his 60s, was not physically injured, and is assisting police with investigations.

The police spokeswoman said officers were on the scene and motorists were urged to avoid the area.

Nick Haug from the Queensland Ambulance Service said there was a heavy response to the tragic incident.

A police officer on scene confirmed there were a large number of witnesses – both schoolchildren on the bus and passing traffic.

Anyone affected by the crash should contact Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.