‘Unimaginable loss’: school tribute to bus crash victim
Callum Godde |
A young student who lost her life a school bus crash was a talented basketballer with an infectious personality.
Christian College Geelong has identified year 7 student Milla Killeen as the girl killed after a school bus rolled near Stonehaven in Victoria’s south on Wednesday.
The school released a photo of the 12-year-old from Teesdale in a tribute that said she would be remembered for beautiful personal qualities, her vibrancy and infectious personality.
The keen and talented basketballer recently represented the college at the state championships and was described as a treasured member of the school community.
Executive Principal Mathilda Joubert said her loss was deeply felt by all staff, students and families.
“This is a time of unimaginable loss,” Dr Joubert said.
“Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with Milla’s family and our college will continue to provide ongoing support.
“In our deep grief, we are also coming together as a community to support one another, drawing strength from God, and the care and compassion that Milla herself demonstrated to others.”
The principal requested privacy for the Killeen family and school community as they mourn the tragedy.
The bus was making a turn at a bend onto the Hamilton Highway when it hit a railing and rolled, police said.
Twenty-eight school students were on board.
Two children were in the Royal Children’s Hospital and nine were in University Hospital Geelong suffering broken bones and skull fractures to milder injuries, Education Minister Ben Carroll confirmed on Wednesday afternoon.
The 76-year-old driver was also injured but has been released from hospital and is assisting police.
Investigators are looking into what caused the incident and will assess the driver’s competency to drive and whether fatigue, drugs and alcohol or medical conditions played a role.
The bus will be mechanically examined and detectives will look at the corner and what role the weather played in the crash.
Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Lineham said the bus had seatbelts but investigators were yet to determine where each passenger was sitting at the time.
“The seatbelts will form part of the investigation as to whether they were worn or not,” he said.
AAP
