Principal speaks out after wild Henschke Catholic Primary School crash

A principal has opened up on the horrifying moment a car careened into a regional NSW school, saying it was “lucky” no one was killed or injured. A man has now been charged.

The car crashed into Henschke Catholic Primary School. Picture: Supplied

A principal has opened up on the horrifying moment a car careened into his Wagga Wagga school, saying it was “lucky” no one was killed or injured.

The allegedly drug-affected driver – who has since been charged – crashed his Holden sedan through Henschke Catholic Primary School on Fernleigh Rd, Turvey Park, after spotting highway patrol officers conducting speed tests about 12.45pm Wednesday.

The 28-year-old driver allegedly exited the vehicle and ran out of the school grounds before being arrested by police in a side street.

A 60-year-old female front seat passenger was trapped in the vehicle before being freed a short time later with no apparent injuries.

Children and teachers were in class at the time of the crash, with some observing the traumatic incident which knocked down four panels of the school’s front fence and two small trees.

The man fronted Parramatta Local Court on Thursday. Picture: Supplied

Henschke Catholic Primary School principal, Paul Jenkins, said the now levelled area was mainly used in the morning and later afternoon for children entering and leaving the premises.

“We were just lucky that it happened when it happened and no one was hurt or injured,” he said.

“They were safe at all times.

“The kids handled it really well under the circumstances. It was probably a bit of a shock for the children.

“I would like to commend the police on how they handled the situation.”

Mr Jenkins, 52, said he had never seen any similar incidents at the school during his seven years as principal, or at any of the other places he has worked during his 24-year career.

“As long as everyone is safe that’s the most important thing,” he said.

The arrested man was given a roadside drug test, which police allege returned a positive result for methylamphetamine.

He was taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station where a secondary drug analysis was conducted.

Police said the man’s licence was disqualified until June 2026 and the vehicle was unregistered.

The man was charged with driving during a disqualification period, reckless and dangerous driving, driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle as well as illegally entering a premises.

He was refused bail and appeared before Parramatta Local Court on Thursday.

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