A major emergency response has unfolded on the Hamilton Highway at Stonehaven, about 10–12 km west of Geelong, after a Christian College school bus carrying around 40 students rolled onto its side and caught fire early on Wednesday morning. Emergency services including fire crews, paramedics and police arrived swiftly after being called at about 8.20 am. A girl died at the scene and multiple students were seriously injured
Victoria Police confirmed they are at Stonehaven, investigating the rollover. “Police are currently in Stonehaven following a school bus roll‑over … we will provide an update as soon as possible,” a spokesperson said.
Ambulance Victoria stated that paramedics are at the scene and prioritising care: “Their priority is with their patients,” adding that updates would be provided when available. The Country Fire Authority is also offering support, working alongside other emergency services.
Witnesses saw children wrapped in blankets on the roadside, being transferred to another bus before being taken by ambulance. The bus belonged to Christian College Geelong, which runs a fleet of 30 buses serving nearly 900 students across multiple routes and campuses.
The Opposition’s Shadow Minister for Education Jess Wilson issued a statement expressing condolences: “This unimaginable tragedy will cause immense distress within the local community. My thoughts are with the students, families, and school community at this heartbreaking time. The safety and wellbeing of students in educational settings is paramount. The Victorian Opposition stands ready to work with the Government and Parliament to ensure all necessary supports are provided to those affected. I also want to acknowledge the first responders who attended the scene and the care and support they continue to provide.”
Traffic has been affected, with the Hamilton Highway shut between Inverleigh and Geelong while Victoria Police manage the scene. Commuters have been directed to use the Geelong Ring Road, the Princes Highway and Inverleigh–Winchelsea Road, adding around 30 km to their journeys.
At this stage, the cause of the rollover remains under investigation by police and associated agencies. No further information has been released about how the crash occurred or the condition of those injured.
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