Today Show news anchor 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 against a preschooler.
Mother-of-two Eleanor Bryant, 43, pulled the children out of harm’s way when the tanker truck plowed through the playground at Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool in Riddells Creek, northwest of Melbourne, on Monday afternoon.
The speech therapist who worked with children with special needs at the pre-school died at the scene, while a three-year-old boy was taken to the Royal Children’s Hospital.
The boy was being treated for an arm injury and ambulance officials said his condition was not life-threatening.
Cullen, paying tribute to his family friend on the Today Show, said he grew up with Bryant.
“We are suffering, really suffering,” he told co-host Sarah Abo.
“I think it’s easier if I read something I wrote before,” she said, fighting back tears.
‘There are people in this world who you can hardly believe are so kind, so generous, so wonderful and thoughtful.
‘Eleanor Bryant, or EJ as she was to us, was one of those people.
‘Eleanor was a light that illuminated every room, she never spoke ill of anyone and was an accomplished speech therapist.
Today Show news anchor Alex Cullen has fought back tears as he remembers a kindergarten teacher who died trying to protect children when an out-of-control truck crashed into a preschool.
Co-presenter Sarah Abo gave him a hug after his emotional tribute.
Mother-of-two Eleanor Bryant, 43, pulled the children out of harm’s way when the tanker truck plowed through the playground at Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool in Riddells Creek, northwest of Melbourne, on Monday afternoon.
‘I was the eldest of four children who grew up on a farm outside my hometown of Coonamble, a community in north-west New South Wales where everyone knows everyone and everyone looks 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, your husband, one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet, we’re thinking of you, mate, and your wonderful children: your 11-year-old son, a mad Sydney Swans fan, and your beautiful 9-year-old daughter. one year.
‘It doesn’t surprise me in the least that Eleanor pushed those school children out of harm’s way and ultimately saved their lives. She always, always put others first – a great example for all of us. We will miss you, Eleanor, and thank you for everything you gave us.’
Police are continuing to investigate the shocking incident, in which a suspected medical episode is believed to have caused the 68-year-old driver of the water tanker to veer off the road and crash into the community centre.
The truck driver was also taken to hospital and police said they were assisting them with their investigations.
An out-of-control tanker truck plowed through the playground at Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool in Riddells Creek, northwest of Melbourne, on Monday.
Police say it is “unbelievable” that only one child was injured in the accident
Detective Sergeant Christian Von Tunk said initial investigations led them to believe the truck lost control on a bridge about 120 meters from the preschool.
“There appears to be some contact with that bridge; we can see some debris,” he said.
“There are also some signs on the left side of the road that appear to have been run over as well.
“It’s a tragic set of circumstances that actually could have been a lot worse… this is one of those situations where the hair is on the line and I don’t know how only one person died today.”
Macedon Ranges Shire Council chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan said his organisation’s deepest condolences were with the affected parties.
Riddells Creek locals comforted after tragedy
“We are working closely with emergency agencies to respond and obtain more information as it arrives,” he said.
“Our immediate priority is to support those affected and our wider communities, particularly those in Riddells Creek, as 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 all-terrain vehicle crashed into a fence at Auburn South Primary School in Melbourne’s east.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.