Tributes were left outside the school following the tragedy on Monday which claimed the life of a staff member. Photo: ABC / Stephanie Ferrier
Victoria police are investigating whether an individual act of "bravery" by a teacher's aide may have saved the lives of several children following a crash north-west of Melbourne.
A truck crashed into the playground of Macedon Ranges Montessori Pre-School in Riddells Creek on Monday, killing Eleanor Bryant, a teacher's aide at the school.
Detective Senior Sergeant Christian Von Tunk, of the Major Collision Investigation Unit, said police were working through reports that Bryant may have managed to prevent children being struck.
He said the death toll from the accident could have been much higher.
"A tragic set of circumstances that actually could have been a lot worse," Senior Sergeant Von Tunk said.
"I don't know how only one person has died today, it's unbelievable."
Bryant, 43, died at the scene, while a three-year-old boy received an arm injury and was taken to the Royal Children's Hospital in a non-life threatening condition.
The company that owned the truck, Mackenzie Water, said the driver had suffered a "medical episode" and was recovering in hospital.
Police said the business was assisting authorities with their investigations.
Community grieves for 'hero' educator
Clinton Zammit is a local parent whose children previously attended the Macedon Ranges Montessori Pre-School, and said the crash had "hit home" as a father.
"I feel sorry for the poor woman that lost her life, her kids waking up in the morning today having no mother," he said.
"Not caring about anything else but the kids, she's a hero."
Clinton Zammit says the staff member who died in the crash was a hero. Photo: ABC / Stephanie Ferrier
On ABC's TODAY, presenter Alex Cullen paid his respects to his friend Eleanor Bryant, who also came from his hometown of Coonamble in NSW.
"There are people in this world who you can't quite believe who are so kind, so generous, so wonderful and caring," he said.
"Eleanor Bryant, or EJ to us, was one of those people."
Cullen said he was not at all surprised by reports of Bryant's heroism.
"She always, always put others first," he said.
"We will miss you Eleanor and thank you for everything you gave us."
The Riddells Creek Basketball Club, where Bryant served as uniform coordinator, posted a statement on Monday expressing its condolences.
"Eleanor was the most kind, thoughtful and funny friend. She gave generously to her community and was committed to supporting the RCR kids to get onto the court," the club said.
"Most importantly, Eleanor was an amazing mum and wife."
Council offers support for affected community members
Macedon Ranges chief executive Bernie O'Sullivan said the community was "absolutely devastated" by the incident.
"Words can't describe the devastation for our community here," O'Sullivan said.
"It's a small, tight-knit community and these sort of events touch so many different families, so the implications will be far-reaching."
He said phone counselling services had been made available for community members.
O'Sullivan acknowledged the reports of heroism by Bryant and paid credit to to her act of bravery.
"Eleanor was, like many educators, just passionate to be around our children," he said.
"Eleanor was actually one of our own, she also worked at council-run sites, so council is absolutely saddened by this news as well."
He said the council was currently working with the school to find places for its students at other schools while the campus was closed.
Menzies MP Keith Wolahan offered his condolences to the Bryant family in a statement on Facebook.
"Eleanor Bryant is a hero who sacrificed her life to save children in her care. I hope her family finds comfort in her courage. May she rest in peace," he said.
-ABC