Hero nursery worker dies while saving children's lives as water tanker crashes into playground

A hero nursery worker who quickly pushed out of the way when a huge water tanker crashed into a playground in tragically died from her injuries.

Eleanor Bryant, 43, sprung into action as the tank through the area at the Macedon Ranges Montessori Pre-, in Victoria, Australia, on Monday afternoon, local news reported. Ms Bryant, who was a speech pathologist and a mum to an 11-year-old boy and nine-year-old girl, died after the driver of the vehicle carrying the tank suffered a medical emergency, causing it to come crashing down.

A three-year-old boy was taken to with serious injuries to his arm, but no other children were harmed in the incident. Police say the lack of casualties was “unbelievable” as the incident “could have been a lot worse”.

Detective Senior Sergeant Christian Von Tuk said it was a “tragic” incident, with a number of children and staff in and near the playground area. He said: “This is one of those close calls that I don’t know how only one person has died today. It’s unbelievable. At this stage it does not appear to be any type of deliberate act.”

Sergeant Von Tuk said that the accident did not result in any damage to the nursery building, but the tanker fell through the playground, flattening the play equipment.

“I dare say there’ll be some kids getting squeezed very tightly tonight,” Sergeant Von Tuk added.

The truck involved belonged to McKenzie Water. The owner of the business, Alan McKenzie, said the 68-year-old driver of the vehicle had suffered a medical episode. In a statement, he said: “We are in shock and offer our heartfelt condolences to everyone involved.

“As a small, family-owned business, we are devastated following the tragic crash … this is an incredibly distressing time, and our deepest sympathies go to those involved and their families and friends.

“Sadly, one person has lost their life, and a child has been injured. Our experienced 68-year-old driver is understood to have suffered a medical episode and remains in hospital. We are doing what we can to support him and his family. We thank staff and emergency workers who responded. We are assisting authorities with their investigations.

“McKenzie Water has been operating in Melbourne and Victoria for 40 years, and our priority has always been safety and compliance.”

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said it was “a terrible incident”, adding: "Our thoughts are with the family of the victims and the broader Riddells Creek community. We thank our first responders who are on scene investigating and helping those injured.”