A community is mourning an 11-year-old boy who died in a crash on a Melbourne school playground after a driver was dismissed

A Melbourne community is in mourning after a car crashed through a fence, killing a schoolboy and seriously injuring four other children.

The incident occurred on Tuesday when a 40-year-old woman picked up her child from Auburn South Primary School in Melbourne’s east.

When she tried to turn around, the car crashed through the school fence and hit a group of children sitting at a table.

As a result of the accident, an 11-year-old boy suffered serious injuries and died on the way to hospital.

Two 11-year-old girls, a 10-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy were seriously injured and taken to hospital.

Police are investigating a crime scene near a Melbourne school.

Victoria Police at the scene of a crime at Auburn South Primary School, Tooronga Rd, Hawthorn East, in Melbourne. Source: AAP / JOEL CARRETT

The driver, from Hawthorn East, was arrested and questioned by detectives.

However, no charges were brought against her and she was released overnight pending further investigation.

The woman and child traveling in the car were not injured.

“Tragic Accident”

Detectives worked into the evening to investigate the circumstances of the crash, which Detective Inspector Craig McEvoy said was a “tragic accident”.

“It’s really difficult for everyone involved: the community, the school community, residents, emergency services, ambulances and police,” he said.

“These incidents are always difficult when there is death and serious injury, but they are especially difficult when children are involved.”

The car had a green P plate, but McEvoy said he was not sure what license the woman had.

Prime Minister Jacinta Allan expressed her condolences, saying the incident had cast a “shadow”, while opposition leader and local MP John Pesutto said it was a “painful shock”.