The regional Victorian city of Bendigo is in mourning after a 15-year-old boy was hit and killed by a truck on his way to school on Friday morning.
The Girton Grammar School student was struck at the intersection of High Street and Myrtle Street in Golden Square, just after 8.30am.
Despite the efforts of a passer-by who performed CPR and multiple paramedics who rushed to the scene, the teenager could not be saved.
Premier Jacinta Allan said she was “deeply saddened” by the tragedy and extended her condolences to the student’s family, friends and school community. “My heart is with the family, loved ones and entire school community who are grieving the loss of one of their own,” Allan said.
“I’ve reached out to Dr Emma O’Rielly, Principal at Girton Grammar School, to share my deepest condolences and offer any support needed in the days, weeks and months ahead. I also want to thank our emergency services and first responders for their work.”
Dr O’Rielly described the loss as “an unspeakable tragedy” in a letter to parents, confirming that counselling had been made available for students and staff.
“As the principal of this school, and as a parent, I’m absolutely devastated by what’s occurred,” she said.
“We’ve had a young life cut short, we’ve had a family altered forever, as is our school community.”
Victoria Police Senior Sergeant Ian Brooks said emergency crews worked tirelessly to try to save the boy.
“We’re speaking to people individually to establish what happened and assist with the investigation into what is a very tragic day in Bendigo.”.
The truck driver, an experienced local operator from Bendigo, was not injured and is assisting police. Power’s Country Express, the trucking company involved, issued a statement expressing its sorrow.
“This is an incredibly distressing time for everyone, and we are devastated,” the company said.
“We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the 15-year-old boy.”
Bendigo Mayor Andrea Metcalf said the incident had deeply shaken the community.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the child’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
Bendigo’s SES Unit also thanked bystanders who stopped to help and reminded locals affected by the tragedy to seek support through the Amber Community, which assists those impacted by road trauma. “Hold your children just a little longer today folks,” the unit posted on Facebook.
Police have urged anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam or CCTV footage to contact Crime Stoppers.
So far this year, 231 lives have been lost on Victorian roads — 19 more than at the same time last year. Road deaths in regional Victoria are up 14 per cent compared to 2024.
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