Bus driver Graham Stanley’s wife Sussanne Stanley says ‘it’s been very traumatic for him’

School bus driver Graham Stanley has been praised for putting the safety of others ahead of his own as his wife reveals the toll the Eynesbury crash has taken on him.

The wife of the school bus driver involved in the Eynesbury collision says her husband is struggling to come to terms with the trauma.

Speaking from their Melton West home, Sussanne Stanley said partner Graham Stanley was having difficulty speaking of the ordeal which left multiple Exford Primary School students badly injured.

Horror unfolded at the corner of Exford Rd and Murphys Rd in Eynesbury about 3.40pm on Tuesday when a truck driven by father-of-two Jamie Gleeson rear-ended the school bus.

“It’s been very traumatic for him,” a flustered Mrs Stanley told waiting media.

Exford primary school bus driver and grandfather Graham Stanley with wife Sussanne.

“He’s doing okay. He’s got some injuries that he’s got to manage and deal with.”

“Unfortunately the circumstances, that’s what’s happened.”

A total 45 pupils from Exford Primary School, aged between 5 and 11 years old, were on-board when disaster struck. 18 of those students were taken to hospital.

Two children had their hands and arms amputated, eight kids suffered “life-changing” injuries, and a further 30 were injured.

Mr Stanley, despite being injured, managed to assist with removing frightened children from the wreckage.

He was transported to Royal Melbourne Hospital suffering extensive injuries – still evident by the moon boot he wore at his Melton West home on Thursday.

Injured bus driver Graham Stanley has returned to work to ‘debrief’ with management. Picture: 9 News

Mrs Stanley revealed her husband had already returned to his workplace – a mere two days on from the incident – for a “debrief” with management of Christian Bus services.

She said the grandfather-of-three wanted any attention to remain on those students impacted by the collision.

It’s understood Mr Stanley, widely hailed a hero for his efforts, was yet to speak in-depth about the matter with his family.

“We’ve even stayed off the TV. We haven’t really been watching what’s been happening. We hear little bits and pieces but that’s it,” Mrs Stanley said.

The father-of-four avoided speaking with media when dropped off by a friend Thursday afternoon, instead giving a thumbs up upon his return.

Three of his adult children – son Matthew and daughters Cheyenne and Brittney – rushed to help Mr Stanley inside the Melton West property about 3pm.

Mrs Stanley later told media the couple would not be able to discuss details of the incident as it was still under investigation by detectives.

It comes as truck driver Mr Gleeson, 49, was released on bail on Wednesday after being charged with four counts of dangerous driving causing serious injury.

Police were still investigating the collision, with detectives considering whether “driver inattention” contributed to the disaster.

A former colleague of Mr Stanley who wished to remain anonymous described him as a “really nice guy.”

“I talked to him every day I went in there. He’s not a bad sort of character,” he said.

“I only know that he had minor cuts and abrasions and of course after having to deal with … well, you use your imagination.”

“What are you going to do when you’ve been hit up the a**e in a bus and then you’ve got all these kids hung up in seatbelts,” Mr Stanley’s former co-worker said.

Campbell Christian, Director at Christian’s Bus Co, said Mr Stanley was “deeply traumatised” and that it would take him “some time to work through.”

“He’s a very private person and just needs time to recover,” he said.

“We’re extremely proud of the driver, the way he put so many others, particularly the students ahead of his own well being and safety.

“It’ll take him some time to work through, and we’ll support him through that.

“He’s very passionate about his job and he wants to get back into it.”