‘Shaking tragedy’: Family of driver involved in fatal crash at Auburn South Elementary School releases emotional statement

The family of the 40-year-old driver who crashed into Auburn South Elementary School has released a statement expressing shock in light of the “overwhelming tragedy” that killed 11-year-old Jack Davey and injured four others.

Emergency services rushed to Auburn South Primary School in Hawthorn East, Melbourne, on Tuesday where several school children were injured after a 40-year-old Hawthorn East mother drove through the school fence.

The car hit five children, two 11-year-old girls, a 10-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy were taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Jack Davey, 11, died on the way to the hospital after being seriously injured when an SUV hit a group of children sitting on a table near a fence.

The driver was picking up her child from school around 2:30 p.m. when, while making a U-turn, she lost control of the vehicle and drove through the school fence.

On Friday, the driver’s family released a statement detailing their shock after the “overwhelming tragedy.”

“No words can fully convey the depth of this tragedy. We are all in shock and wish it was just a bad dream, but unfortunately this is our reality,” the statement began.

“We can only express our sincere condolences to Jacek’s family; Our whole hearts go out to you and to every family affected by this loss. I wish all the injured a speedy recovery – God bless you all.

“As a family with children, we feel this sadness deeply, sharing the pain that others are now carrying. It’s not about the words we say, but about the genuine sadness that lies in our hearts.

“May God watch over everyone and give strength and comfort to those who suffer.”

The family thanked school staff as well as emergency services workers who responded to the horrific scene, confirming they were assisting with the investigation while asking for privacy as “we come to terms with such an overwhelming tragedy.”

The driver was arrested at the scene and released on Wednesday pending further investigation.

MCIU Inspector Craig McEvoy described the crash as a “tragic accident”.

“After picking up the child, she turned around and collided with the school fence, crashing into the fence where she unfortunately hit a table at which five children were sitting on the school grounds,” MCIU Inspector Craig McEvoy said.

“It is very tragic and sad that one of these children died while being transported to the hospital.”