Bus driver dies as Assumption College school bus crashes into a tree in Kilmore

The Assumption College bus driver who died in a terrifying crash in Kilmore is believed to have suffered a medical episode behind the wheel, with the school paying tribute to “much loved” Gary MacDonald.

Emergency crews respond to the scene of a school bus crash in Kilmore. Picture: 7News

The driver who died in a terrifying school bus crash in Kilmore is believed to have suffered a medical episode while behind the wheel.

It comes after a heroic tradie stepped in to rescue dozens of students from the terrifying crash, which sparked a major emergency services operation.

Gary MacDonald is believed to have suffered a medical episode while behind the wheel. Picture: Facebook

Assumption College has paid tribute to Gary MacDonald, who died while driving the school bus on Wednesday. Picture: Facebook

Paramedics, including 10 road and two air ambulances, were called to the smash on Wandong Rd about 3.45pm on Wednesday afternoon.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said it was believed the school bus was travelling along Wandong Rd just after 3.30pm when the vehicle veered off the road and struck a tree.

The driver, a 65-year-old Wallan man, died at the scene.

There were about 32 students on the bus, some suffered minor injuries and one had serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

The exact cause of the crash is still being investigated, but Victoria Police said it was believed the driver had suffered a medical episode.

Assumption College principal Paul Finneran said Mr MacDonald was an outstanding human being, with a “generous soul”.

“He had a great relationship with the kids, he was such a lovely man,” Mr Finneran told the Herald Sun.

“I was speaking to his family last night and the school community, everyone was so grateful for the person he was.

“We extend our deepest condolences to his partner and family.”

Mr Finneran said the school had offered counselling to pupils.

“The students were obviously shaken by the incident, some had stayed home today.

“It’s important for them to process what’s happened, but when they’re ready to come to school, we will support them here too.”

Mr Finneran said he thanked the wider community for their support.

“The school and the broader community have been wonderful. A lot of staff really stepped up last night too.

“We’ll be here to support the school community in every way.”

Assumption College said its Maeve School bus was involved in the crash. Picture: 7News

Emergency crews help students at the scene. Picture: 7News

The bus was badly damaged in the crash. Picture: 7News

The school on Wednesday confirmed its Maeve school bus had been involved in an accident.

“All students on the bus are fine and emergency services are in attendance,” the school said.

“Counselling and other support will be made available to students and families.”

Colby, a carpenter from Kilmore, who was one of the first on scene, said he rushed to rescue dozens of children from the emergency exit of the bus.

He said was driving home from work in Melbourne when he saw the bus had smashed into a bunch of trees on Wandong Rd.

Emergency services at the crash site. Picture: Grace Frost

Colby said more than a dozen other drivers stopped on the side of the road to assist.

“I just hit the breaks and ran over,” he told the Herald Sun.

“When I got there me and another fella jumped through the window and helped the kids out, I wasn’t sure of the bus driver though.

“Some were a bit shaken up but most of them were okay.

“There was someone checking on the driver, then there was an influx of maybe 10-15 people running over to help out.

“We smashed one of the front emergency windows open with the hammer, we brought a ladder over and helped them out from the top of the bus.”

Another first responder said she held the bus driver’s head up before paramedics arrived.

“I helped exit the children (from the bus) and lined them up and made sure there were no injuries,” mother Emily told the Herald Sun.

“I was unable to move (the driver) to give CPR, the paramedics came quickly and were absolutely amazing,” she said.

Ambulance Victoria said: “Paramedics treated one child on scene for a minor upper body injury and transported them to Kilmore Hospital in a stable condition.

“About 30 other children on board were assessed at the scene but did not require emergency ambulance transport.”

Victoria Police said the cause of the crash was being investigated.