Key Points
- Eleanor Bryant leaves behind a husband, 11-year-old son and nine-year-old daughter.
- A boy hurt in the accident was treated for an arm injury that ambulance officials said was not life-threatening.
- Victorian Police Commissioner Shane Patton said the driver remains under hospital observation and will be interviewed once he is medically cleared.
The family of a much-loved kindergarten worker killed when a truck smashed into a preschool says she was the light of their lives and they will miss her like crazy.
Eleanor Bryant, 43, was killed when an out-of-control truck crashed into the Macedon Ranges Montessori preschool's playground, northwest of Melbourne on Monday.
The speech pathologist died at the scene and a three-year-old boy was taken to the Royal Children's Hospital.
The crash comes less than two weeks after 11-year-old Jack Davey was killed and four other students injured after an SUV crashed through a fence at Auburn South Primary School in Melbourne's east. Source: AAP / James Ross
"She was the light of our lives: a cherished mother, wife, daughter and sister, and beloved by all her family and enormous network of friends," her family said in a statement.
"Her infectious smile, sense of humour and passion for life made her a joy to be around.
"There is an enormous hole in our hearts today."
The family thanked emergency services and the public for laying tributes as they requested privacy.
An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway, a Victorian Police spokeswoman said. Source: AAP / James Ross
Police are yet to interview the 68-year-old driver whose tanker veered off the road and ploughed into the kindergarten.
Victorian Police Commissioner Shane Patton said the driver remains under hospital observation and will be interviewed once he is medically cleared.
Patton said it was still too early to confirm whether the driver suffered a medical episode.
The three-year-old boy hurt in the accident was treated for an arm injury, which ambulance officials said was not life-threatening.
In an emotional tribute on Tuesday, Nine's Today Show presenter Alex Cullen described his childhood friend as "a light that lit up every room."
"It does not surprise me one bit that Eleanor pushed those school kids out of the way yesterday to ultimately save their lives, she always, always put others first and was a great example to all of us," he said.
Bryant was an accomplished speech pathologist who grew up in Coonamble in NSW's central west and leaves behind a husband, 11-year-old son and nine-year-old daughter.
Patton described Bryant as heroic after preliminary briefings indicated she moved multiple young children out of the truck's way.
"Just so brave, and the whole incident is an absolute tragedy," he said.
The local basketball club also paid tribute to their equipment and uniform coordinator.
"Riddells Creek Basketball Club are devastated to learn of the passing of one of our own," the club's Facebook post read.
"Eleanor was the most kind, thoughtful and funny friend.
"She gave generously to her community and was committed to supporting the RCR kids to get onto the court. Most importantly, Eleanor was an amazing mum and wife."
