The victim of a fatal crash at Auburn South Primary School in Melbourne’s east has been identified as Jack Davey, 11, and the principal pays heartfelt tribute

According to The Herald Sun, Jack Davey, who died on the way to hospital after suffering serious injuries in an accident, was a player for the Glen Iris Junior Football Club under-11 team.

Glen Iris Junior Football Club and Gladiators Committee chairman Dave Barnaby said the local community was “devastated and deeply saddened” by the tragedy.

“Our hearts go out to the families directly impacted by this event, as well as to all students, parents, teachers and other members of our community affected by this event, and to all students, parents, teachers and other members of our community,” Barnaby said in a statement to publications.

“We ask that you respect the privacy of our community during this difficult time.”

The terrible incident took place at Hawthorn East School on Tooronga Road just after 2.30pm on Tuesday.

Police believe the 40-year-old woman was driving on Burgess Street when the SUV she was driving swerved and drove into a fence, striking five children who were sitting at a table on school grounds at the time.

Three girls – two aged 11 and one 10 – and another 10-year-old boy were seriously injured in the accident and taken to hospital.

Another elementary school-age boy who was in the SUV at the time of the crash was not injured.

In a media statement Wednesday, principal Marcus Wicher said the school is focused on providing support to students, staff and the school community following the tragedy.

He said his thoughts were with the families of Jack and the four other students who remain in hospital.

“Thank you all for your presence and continued sensitivity in providing a space for our community to come to terms with what can only be described as a complete tragedy,” Wicher said.

“Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with Jack’s family and friends, and our thoughts are also with the four students who remain in hospital and, of course, with their beautiful families.”

Mr. Wicher thanked the emergency services who arrived at the scene, as well as the school staff and parents who helped ensure the students’ comfort.

“The courage and concern can only be described as extraordinary,” he said.

“The response from our local community has been overwhelming and I would like to thank everyone who has made such generous offers of support.

“The school community is wonderful and strong and we will get through this together.

“Our current focus is on supporting the school community, our children, families and staff.

“I ask that the media respect our privacy and give us space to mourn and move through this most difficult time.”

In an interview on Nine’s Today programme, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said she “just felt sick to my stomach” when she heard about the disaster.

“We all picked up and dropped off at school – every parent of a child attending primary school yesterday felt particularly ill,” Ms Allan said on Wednesday morning.

“I have a little boy in fifth grade, and it really makes me realize how… difficult this is going to be for the school community today.”

Ms Allan said additional staff and counseling services would be provided to staff, students and parents at Auburn South Primary School and the neighboring secondary school.

The Prime Minister also thanked the emergency services for their professionalism; The incident had no impact on them.

“But speaking to the principal yesterday, I found that they are a strong community, they embrace each other,” Ms Allan said.

“They also asked if the rest of us, the rest of the community, could show our support as well.”

Flowers could be laid outside Auburn South Elementary School on Wednesday as the local community came to terms with the tragedy.

Police confirmed the 40-year-old driver was arrested at the scene on Tuesday but has since been released from custody pending further inquiries. No charges were filed.

Victoria Police Detective Inspector Craig McEvoy said it was believed the woman lost control of the vehicle while making a U-turn after picking up her child from school.

Photos from the scene show a green P plate attached to the vehicle, but it is unclear what driving license the driver held.

“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,” Inspector McEvoy said on Tuesday.

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

A Department of Education spokesman told media on Tuesday that the driver of the car suffered a medical incident.

Police have also issued a new appeal to the public, urging anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam or CCTV footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or on the Internet.