Lucky escape for school kids

By Jessica Howard 

Children and staff at St Brigid’s Primary School were lucky to emerge unharmed on Tuesday when a vehicle ploughed through a fence and into a brick building.

An 82-year-old female was travelling east bound on Inglis Street in Ballan when she lost control of the vehicle at 2:34pm, crashing into a classroom where up to 40 students were located.

A spokesperson for St Brigid’s Primary School said the students, and one teacher, were evacuated from the building unharmed.

“All the children are fine, however the building is a bit worse for wear,” the spokesperson said.

The driver of the vehicle was transported to the Ballarat Base Hospital by ambulance with minor injuries.

Ballan Officer in Charge, Sergeant Michael Kearnes said it is believed the woman approached the Inglis and Stead Street round-about, and a suspected blown tyre resulted in her losing control of the vehicle and swerving off the road.

The building, which suffered severe structural damage, has been deemed unsafe by police. Temporary fencing has been placed around the structure

Sergeant Kearnes said it was fortunate no one was seriously harmed in the incident.

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