Emergency services rush to crash near preschool in regional Victoria

A kindergarten worker has been killed and a child injured after a water tanker crashed into a preschool in a small town outside Melbourne.

A kindergarten worker has been killed and a child injured after a truck crashed into a preschool in regional Victoria.

Authorities say the incident could have “been a lot worse” as several children were in the playground area at the time of the accident.

The crash happened about 2.20pm on Monday near the Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool in the town of Riddells Creek.

The owner of the trucking company whose vehicle crashed into the school said the driver suffered a medical incident.

Victoria Police said the 43-year-old woman was found dead at the scene, while a three-year-old boy was rushed to hospital.

Detective Senior Sergeant Christian Von Tuk said it was a “tragic” incident that “could have been a lot worse” as a number of children and staff were in and near the playground area.

“This is one of those close calls that I don’t know how only one person has died today. It’s unbelievable,” he said.

“At this stage it does not appear to be any type of deliberate act.”

Sen Sergeant Von Tuk said the kindergarten building was not damaged but the tanker crashed through the playground, extensively damaging the play equipment.

“I dare say there’ll be some kids getting squeezed very tightly tonight,” Senior Sergeant Von Tuk said.

He said police were following up reports the staff member had pushed children out of the way to protect them.

Earlier, Victoria Police said the truck “collided with a kindergarten” on Main Road around 2.20pm.

“One adult, who is yet to be formally identified, has died at the scene.

“A child was injured and has been taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

“The driver of the truck has also been taken to hospital for observation. The exact circumstances are being investigated.”

One adult, who is yet to be formally identified, died after a water tanker crashed into a kindergarten. Picture: NewsWire / Nadir Kinani

Police confirmed an adult had died after the truck crashed into a kindergarten in Riddells Creek. Picture: NewsWire / Nadir Kinani

A child was taken to Royal Children’s Hospital in a stable condition. Picture: NewsWire / Nadir Kinani

“A child was transported by road ambulance to Royal Children’s Hospital with an upper body injury in a stable condition,” Ambulance Victoria said in a statement.

“One person was transported by road ambulance to Royal Melbourne Hospital in a stable condition.”

The truck involved belongs to McKenzie Water. Owner Alan McKenzie said the 68-year-old driver of the vehicle had a medical episode.

“We are in shock and offer our heartfelt condolences to everyone involved,” he said in a statement.

“As a small, family-owned business, we are devastated following the tragic crash … this is an incredibly distressing time, and our deepest sympathies go to those involved and their families and friends.

“Sadly, one person has lost their life, and a child has been injured.

“Our experienced 68-year-old driver is understood to have suffered a medical episode and remains in hospital.

“We are doing what we can to support him and his family. We thank staff and emergency workers who responded. We are assisting authorities with their investigations.

“McKenzie Water has been operating in Melbourne and Victoria for 40 years, and our priority has always been safety and compliance.”

The crash happened about 2.20pm. Picture: Nine News

Emergency Services rushed to the scene on Main Road at Riddells Creek. Picture: Nine News

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said it was “a terrible incident”

“Our thoughts are with the family of the victims and the broader Riddells Creek community,” she said.

“We thank our first responders who are on scene investigating and helping those injured.”

The incident comes less than a fortnight after an 11-year-old boy was killed when a car crashed into a Melbourne schoolyard.

Jack Davey died after the accident at Auburn South Primary School on Tooronga Rd in Hawthorn East on October 29.

Three girls – two aged 11 and one aged 10 – as well as a 10-year-old boy were also taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Originally published as Emergency services rush to crash near preschool in regional Victoria