Today Show newsreader Alex Cullen fought back tears as he remembered his family friend – a kindergarten teacher who tragically lost her life while trying to protect children when an out-of-control truck crashed into a preschool.
Mother-of-two Eleanor Bryant, 43, dragged children out of harm’s way as the water tanker ploughed through the playground of Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool in Riddells Creek, north-west of Melbourne on Monday afternoon.
It’s believed the 68-year-old truck driver had suffered a medical episode before veering off the road.
Speech pathologist Ms Bryant, who worked with special needs children at the preschool, died at the scene, while a three-year-old boy was taken to the Royal Children’s Hospital with a non-life threatening arm injury.
The Channel Nine host fought back tears as he spoke about growing up with Ms Bryant in rural Coonamble, in north-west NSW, and paid a heartbreaking tribute to ‘EJ’ and her family.
‘We’re hurting – really, really hurting,’ he told co- host Sarah Abo.
‘There are people in this world who you can hardly believe are so kind, so generous, so wonderful and caring.
‘Eleanor Bryant, or EJ as she was to us, was one of those people.
‘Eleanor was a light that lit up every room, never spoke ill of anyone, and was an accomplished speech pathologist.
Today Show newsreader Alex Cullen has fought back tears while remembering a kindergarten teacher who was killed trying to protect the children as an out of control truck plowed into a pre-school
Cohost Sarah Abo gave him a hug following his emotional tribute
Mother-of-two Eleanor Bryant, 43, pulled children out of harm’s way as the tanker ploughed through the playground of Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool in Riddells Creek, north-west of Melbourne on Monday afternoon
‘She was the eldest of four kids who grew up on a farm just outside my hometown of Coonamble, a community in northwest NSW where everyone knows everyone, and they all look out for each other.
‘Eleanor had so many friends – so many wonderful friends – and she would do anything for anyone. She was the kind of person who gave you the feeling that everything would be okay.
‘To Tim, her husband, one of the nicest blokes you’d ever meet, we’re thinking of you, mate, and your wonderful kids—your 11-year-old son, a mad Sydney Swans fan, and your beautiful 9-year-old daughter.
‘It doesn’t surprise me one bit that Eleanor pushed those school kids out of harm’s way, ultimately saving their lives.
‘She always, always put others first—a great example to us all. We’ll miss you, Eleanor, and thank you for everything you gave us.’
The truck driver was also transported to hospital, and police said he was assisting them with their inquiries.
An out-of-control tanker ploughed through the playground of Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool in Riddells Creek, north-west of Melbourne on Monday
Police say it’s ‘unbelievable’ that only one child was injured in the crash
Detective Senior Sergeant Christian Von Tunk said initial investigations led them to believe the truck lost control on a bridge about 120m from the pre-school.
‘It appears there’s some contact with that bridge – we can see some debris,’ he said.
‘There are also some signs on the left-hand side of the road that appear to have been struck as well.
‘It’s a tragic set of circumstances which actually could have been a lot worse … this is one of those close calls and I don’t know how only one person has died today.’
Macedon Ranges Shire Council CEO Bernie O’Sullivan said his organisation’s deepest condolences were with the impacted parties.
Eleanor Bryant has been remembered as an incredible woman who always put others first
Locals in Riddells Creek console each other in the wake of the tragedy
‘We are working closely with emergency agencies in response and to find out more information as it comes to hand,’ he said.
‘Our immediate priority is to support those affected and our broader communities – particularly those in Riddells Creek – however we practically can.’
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.
Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk