Driver yet to be interviewed following water tanker crash that killed teacher Eleanor Bryant and injured child

A man who was behind the wheel of an out-of-control truck that ploughed into a kindergarten northwest of Melbourne, killing a heroic teacher and injuring a child, remains in hospital.

The water tanker smashed through the gate of Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool’s playground in Riddells Creek on Monday, killing speech pathologist and mother-of-two, Eleanor Bryant, and injuring a three-year-old boy.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Hero kindergarten worker praised for bravery.

McKenzie Water owner Alan McKenzie confirmed the truck belonged to his company and said the driver, Frank Castellucci, 68, was believed to have suffered a medical episode.

“We are doing what we can to support him and his family,” he said.

Investigators are yet to interview Castellucci who remains at the Royal Melbourne Hospital under observation.

Victorian Police Commissioner Shane Patton said he would be interviewed once medically cleared, adding that it was still too early to confirm whether he had suffered a medical episode.

Bryant’s family are devastated by the loss, releasing a statement on Tuesday saying they would “miss her like crazy”.

“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.

“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.

A constant stream of mourners, including children with tears in their eyes, laid dozens of bunches of flowers at the gate of the preschool on Tuesday.

“The world was better because of you,” a message written on one said.

“We will love you forever, and you will never be forgotten,” another said.

Initial investigations indicate the truck lost control on a bridge about 120m from the preschool.

An overturned power pole rests just metres from the school gate, where broken fence pieces and a bent shed reveal the truck’s path of destruction. The kindergarten is expected to be closed for some time, with on-site counselling available.

Large vehicles frequently thunder down the streets of Riddells Creek, a tight-knit community about 60km from Melbourne where locals greet people with a nod and a smile.

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. A GoFundMe created for the family on Tuesday has already raised nearly $100,000.

Patton described her 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 three-year-old boy hurt in the accident was treated for an arm injury, which ambulance officials said was not life-threatening.

The local basketball club said they were devastated by the loss of Bryant, who was their equipment and uniform co-ordinator.

“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,” the club’s Facebook post read.

Macedon Ranges Shire chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan offered his deepest condolences, with councillors stationed across the town offering support.

It 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.