Family of heroic kindergarten teacher Eleanor Bryant, who died saving preschoolers from out-of-control water tanker, speak out

The family of Eleanor Bryant, the heroic kindergarten teacher who died helping get children out of harm’s way when an out-of-control water tanker ploughed through a preschool playground, has released a statement.

The speech pathologist and mother-of-two, who worked with children with special needs at the Macedon Ranges Montessori Pre-School in Riddells Creek, a small town northwest of Melbourne, died at the scene of the crash on Monday afternoon.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Heroic kindergarten teacher identified.

“We are devastated by the loss of our beautiful Eleanor,” her family said on Tuesday.

“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 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.

“We thank the emergency services for their tireless work and the public for their beautiful tributes.

“We will miss her like crazy.”

Bryant is mum to an 11-year-old boy and nine-year-old girl.

A three-year-old boy was taken to the Royal Children’s Hospital with a serious upper-body injury following the incident, Ambulance Victoria said.

The tanker driver, 68, is thought to have had a medical episode, but police are still investigating the incident.

He was taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital in a stable condition for observation.

On Tuesday morning, Sunrise reporter Teegan Dolling offered an update.

“She is the mum herself of two really young children. She’s been remembered this morning as a very happy speech pathologist, and mum who loved it here at the Macedon Ranges Montessori Pre-School,” Dolling said.

“What she did yesterday police are saying was heroic. She was working here at the school looking after a three-year-old boy. It was around 2.30pm when the water truck came hurtling down the road, smashed through the play equipment and it was playtime.

“The preschoolers were out on the playground. She’s selflessly put herself in harm’s way … saving the life of the three-year-old.

“Sadly, she died at the scene. A little boy was rushed to hospital. He’s got injuries to his upper body. As to why this has happened, the police are still investigating.

“The scene is cleared here this morning. They believe the 68-year-old truck driver may have had a medical episode.”

McKenzie Water owner Alan McKenzie said the truck belonged to his company and the driver was understood to have suffered a medical episode.

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

“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 Pty Ltd has been operating in Melbourne and Victoria for 40 years, and our priority has always been safety and compliance.“

Detective Senior Sergeant Christian Von Tunk said initial investigations led them to believe the truck lost control on a bridge about 120m from the kindergarten.

“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.”