Driver of car that crashed into Auburn South Primary School, killing young Jack Davey, speaks

The female driver of a car that ploughed into Auburn South Primary School, killing 11-year-old Jack Davey and injuring four other students, has opened up on the “genuine sorrow” in her heart over the tragedy.

The female driver of the car that ploughed into Auburn South Primary School in Hawthorn East, killing 11-year-old Jack Davey and injuring four other students, has opened up on her “genuine sorrow" for the crash, and revealed she wishes it was “just a bad dream”.

The 40-year-old Hawthorn East woman was arrested at the devastating scene on Tuesday October 29, but later released.

“No words can truly convey the depth of this tragedy. We are all in shock, wishing this was just a bad dream, but sadly this is our reality,” a statement from the family, released by police on Friday afternoon, said.

“To Jack’s family, we can only offer our heartfelt condolences; our hearts go out to you and to every family affected by this loss.

The scene of the devastating school crash on Tuesday. Picture: 7News

Picture: 7News

“To those injured, may you heal quickly – God bless you all. As a family with children, we feel this grief profoundly, sharing in the pain others now carry.

“It’s not about the words we say, but the genuine sorrow held within our hearts.

“May God watch over everyone and provide strength and comfort to those who are suffering. “We thank the school staff and emergency workers who responded.

“We have assisted with the investigation and please ask for privacy while we come to terms with such an overwhelming tragedy.”

Jack, a grade 5 student, was “sitting in the sunshine having a chat” with classmates on Tuesday afternoon when the driver’s Toyota SUV crashed through the school fence she attempted to make a U-turn.

Her passenger, a primary school-aged child, was not injured.

11-year-old Jack Davey was killed when a car ploughed through his Auburn South a primary school. Picture: Supplied

Police investigate at Auburn South Primary School in Hawthorn East after a car drove into the school. Picture: Supplied

The parents of Jack Davey, Jayde and Michael Davey, with principal, Marcus Wicherat at Auburn South Primary School. Picture: Supplied

Tributes for Jack have been placed at Auburn South Primary School. Picture: Ian Currie

The scene at the primary school after the crash. Picture: Mohammad Alfares

Reading from a statement outside the school on Thursday afternoon, Jack’s dad Michael Davey said his son was a champion.

“On behalf of our family, Jayde and I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for the support we have received over the last few days,” he said.

“Words can’t adequately describe the utter devastation we feel as we come to terms with a sudden overwhelming loss of our Jack, son, brother and friend to many.

“We find comfort in reading the many messages and memories of Jack and how his life and energy was a positive influence on so many in the community at just 11-years-old.

“Personally, he is our champion, our beloved son and brother who remains very much alive in our hearts and memories as we piece together our lives with his spirit going forward.”

Police are keeping an open mind on the cause of the tragic schoolyard accident but there is believed to be no confirmed indication that the driver suffered a medical episode, as reported earlier.

The female driver’s identity remains unreported but it is believed at least one of her children attends Auburn South Primary School.

She had reportedly been part of a two-hour meeting at the school before Tuesday’s tragedy.

The crash inquiry being run by the major collision investigation unit may be potentially long and painstaking.

The driver’s version of what happened will be a key element, as will statements from eyewitnesses, and CCTV or dashcam footage of the crash.

It is expected those who had met with the woman when she was in the school before the crash will be interviewed.

Three of the children injured in the crash have now been discharged from hospital.

One remained at the Royal Children’s Hospital on Friday afternoon.

Originally published as Driver of car that crashed into Auburn South Primary School, killing young Jack Davey, speaks