Hawthorn East School Crash: Driver Attended Meeting Before Tragic Accident – October 30, 2024

What happened

Incident Overview

On Tuesday afternoon, October 29, 2024, a car crashed through the fence at Auburn South Primary School in Hawthorn East, Melbourne, tragically killing 11-year-old Jack Davey and injuring four other children. The incident occurred around 2:30 PM when a vehicle struck a table where five children were seated during outdoor school time.

The driver, a 40-year-old woman, was performing a U-turn on Burgess Street when her car left the road. She had attended a two-hour meeting at the school prior to the crash. Emergency services attended the scene immediately, and the four injured children were transported to hospital in stable condition.

Location and Time

Auburn South Primary School, Hawthorn East, Melbourne, on Burgess Street. The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 PM on Tuesday, October 29, 2024.

Vehicles Involved

Vehicle 1

• Make/Model: not specified in source
• Direction: performing U-turn on Burgess Street
• Driver: 40-year-old woman, P-plate driver with clean driving history

Injuries / Fatalities

Fatalities

• Jack Davey, 11-year-old student at Auburn South Primary School (deceased at scene)

Injuries

• Four children injured, transported to hospital in stable condition

Community Impact

The Auburn South Primary School community has been deeply affected by the tragedy. An online fundraiser established to support Jack’s family has raised over $117,000. The school principal has expressed condolences and emphasised the school’s commitment to supporting the affected families and broader school community. Jack Davey was a talented young athlete and member of multiple local sports clubs.

Emergency Response

Emergency services attended the scene immediately following the crash. Four injured children were transported to hospital, where they remain in stable condition. The school fence was damaged in the collision, and the scene was secured by emergency responders.

Investigation

Victoria Police is investigating the incident. The 40-year-old driver was initially arrested but was later released without charge pending further investigation. Authorities are exploring various possibilities as to the cause of the crash, including a potential medical episode. The investigation remains ongoing as police work to determine the circumstances that led to the vehicle leaving the road.

Appeal for Information

Victoria Police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances of the crash. Anyone with information or who witnessed the incident is urged to contact Victoria Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.