Speech pathologist hailed as a hero in tragic Macedon Ranges incident

A speech pathologist working at Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool has tragically lost her life when a water tanker crashed through the fence of the service while children attending the service were outside playing. 

Eleanor Bryant, who worked at the service supporting children with additional needs died at the scene, but was noted for her bravery in protecting children by pulling them out of the path of the tanker during the incident, which took place on Monday afternoon. 

She was remembered by a family friend as being “the person who lit up every room she walked into. Her infectious smile, sense of humour and love for her family and friends made her a joy to be around.”

“She put everyone else first.”

A young child was injured in the accident, and was taken to the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, where he is understood to be in a stable condition. 

Speaking to reporters at the time of the incident Detective Senior Sergeant Christian Von Tuk said it was ‘unbelievable’ that no other children were injured. 

“We’ve lost a 43-year-old teacher’s aide, and we’ve had a child with a very near miss, and a group of children who are in very close proximity, plus some teachers who were fairly close as well,” the Detective Senior Sergeant said.

“I dare to say there’ll be some kids getting squeezed very tightly tonight. That’s a really rough one.”

At this early stage it is understood that the driver of the water tanker suffered a medical episode while behind the wheel. He was also taken to hospital for observation. Initial investigations suggest that the tanker hit a power pole before crashing through the fence of the service and coming to rest in a sandpit. 

The company which owns the tanker – McKenzie Water – issued a statement expressing its shock and offering heartfelt condolences to everyone involved.