The victim of a fatal crash at Auburn South Primary School in Melbourne’s east has been identified as 11-year-old Jack Davey – and the headteacher has paid heartfelt tributes

Jack Davey, who died on the way to hospital after suffering serious injuries in the accident, was a player at Glen Iris Junior Football Club under-11s, The Herald Sun reports.

Glen Iris Junior Football Club and Gladiators Committee president Dave Barnaby said the local community is “devastated and deeply saddened” by the tragedy.

“Our hearts are with the families who were directly affected, as well as all of the Auburn South Elementary students, parents, teachers and other members of our community affected by this incident,” Mr. Barnaby said in a statement to the publication.

“We ask that you respect the privacy of our community during this difficult time.”

The horrific incident happened at Hawthorn East School on Tooronga Road just after 2.30pm on Tuesday.

Police believe the 40-year-old woman was driving along Burgess Street when the SUV she was driving swerved and crashed into a fence, hitting five children who were sitting at a table on school grounds at the time.

Three girls – two 11-year-olds and one 10-year-old – and another 10-year-old boy were seriously injured in the accident and were taken to hospital.

Another elementary school-aged boy, who was a passenger in the SUV at the time of the crash, was not injured.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, principal Marcus Wicher said the school was focused on supporting students, staff and the school community in the wake of the tragedy.

He said his thoughts are with the families of Jack and the four other students who remain in hospital.

“Thank you all for being here and for your continued sensitivity in allowing our community to come to terms with what can only be described as a complete tragedy,” Mr Whicher said.

“Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with Jack’s family and friends, as well as the four students who remain in hospital, and of course their wonderful families.”

Mr Whicher thanked the emergency services who attended the scene, as well as school staff and parents who helped ensure pupils were comfortable.

“The courage and care can only be described as outstanding,” he said.

“The response from our local community has been overwhelming and my heartfelt thanks go to everyone who has reached out with such generous offers of support.

“This school community is so wonderful and strong and together we will get through this.

“Our focus right now is supporting our school community, our children, families and staff.

“I ask the media to respect our privacy and give us the opportunity to grieve and get through this most difficult period.”

Speaking earlier on Nine’s Today show, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said her “stomach just dropped” when she heard about the disaster.

“We’ve all gone to and from school – any parent of a child who attended primary school felt particularly ill yesterday,” Ms Allan said on Wednesday morning.

“I have a little boy in fifth grade, and it really brings home how… difficult it’s going to be for the school community today.”

Ms Allan said extra staff and counseling services would be made available to staff, students and parents at Auburn South Primary School, as well as the neighboring high school.

The Prime Minister also thanked the emergency services for their professionalism and the incident will not affect them.

“But speaking to the headteacher yesterday, they are a strong community, they embrace each other,” Ms Allan said.

“And they also asked if the rest of us, the rest of the community, could show our support as well.”

Flowers could be seen being laid outside Auburn South Elementary School on Wednesday as the local community came to terms with the tragedy.

The 40-year-old driver was arrested at the scene on Tuesday but has since been released from custody pending further inquiries, police confirmed. No charges were brought.

Victoria Police Detective Inspector Craig McEvoy said it appeared the woman lost control of her car while making a 180-degree turn after picking up her child from school.

Images from the scene show a green “P” placard attached to the vehicle, but it is unknown what license the driver had.

“After she picked up the child, she spun around and crashed into the school fence, crashing through the fence where she unfortunately crashed into a table that five children were sitting at in the school grounds,” Inspector McEvoy said on Tuesday.

“It is very tragic and sad that one of these children passed away while being transported to the hospital.”

A Ministry of Education spokesman told media on Tuesday that the driver of the car was believed to have suffered a medical incident.

Police have also issued a new appeal to the public, urging anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam or CCTV footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online.