One female school student has died and several others are seriously injured after a school bus rolled on the way to a regional school.
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There were 28 Christian College Geelong primary and secondary students from regional Victoria on board the bus on August 27.
Principal Dr Mathilda Joubert said the school was "deeply saddened" by the tragedy.
"Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the families impacted," she said.
"We are supporting them through this incredibly difficult time.
"This is a profoundly distressing situation for our entire school community."
One boy was airlifted to The Royal Children's Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the bus, a 76-year-old man, along with eight students, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to University Hospital Geelong by road ambulance, police said.
A further 11 students were taken to hospital for observation.
Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Lineham told reporters the bus allegedly failed to negotiate a left-hand bend when travelling at the intersection of the Hamilton Highway and Friend In Hand Road.
The driver is assisting police with their inquiries, he said.
Police are awaiting the results of drug and alcohol tests from the driver.
While the bus did have seatbelts, Sergeant Lineham said it was unknown whether the children were wearing them.
He said the scene was "particularly confronting" for first responders because it involved children.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles posted on X: "My heart breaks hearing the devastating news of a school bus incident and death of a student in my hometown of Geelong."
The bus was travelling to Christian College Geelong when it rolled on the Hamilton Highway at Stonehaven, west of Geelong, in Victoria.
Member for Western Victoria Bev McArthur wrote on X that the crash occurred on the Hamilton Highway.
"My thoughts are with all the children, families, staff and emergency responders at this difficult time," she said.
The Department of Transport said the Hamilton Highway was closed in both directions for a stretch between Inverleigh and Geelong, due to the serious collision, which occurred about 8.20am.
"Motorists should consider using the Geelong Ring Road, Princes Highway and Inverleigh Winchelsea Road, adding nearly 30km to the journey," a spokesperson said.
"The closure is under the control of Victoria Police, and the road will be reopened once investigations are complete and it is safe to do so."
Stonehaven is a small rural locality in southwestern Victoria, about 10km west of Geelong on the Hamilton Highway. It is known for its scattered farmhouses.
Carla Mascarenhas
Carla Mascarenhas is a journalist with Explore Travel and The Senior. She specialises in deep issues affecting Gen X and beyond, and the latest in travel news. Contact her on carla.mascarenhas@austcommunitymedia.com.au
