Pentland Hills school bus crash responders honoured

Members of Bacchus Marsh, Ballan and Melton fire brigades involved, ACFO David Maxwell and Commander Mal Hayes with ACFO Lachlan Redman and Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook. Credit: Uniform Photography

 

Seventeen firefighters from Bacchus Marsh, Ballan and Melton Fire Brigades have received one of CFA’s highest honours for their response to a serious school bus crash in 2022.

 

CFA Deputy Chief Officer Garry Cook AFSM presented the distinguished Unit Citation for Service to the members at a ceremony in Myrniong on Sunday 18 May.

At 3.20am on 21 September 2022, CFA crews were called to a major crash on the Western Freeway in Pentland Hills, where a school bus carrying 27 students and four staff from Loreto College Ballarat had been struck at speed by a truck with a semi-trailer.

The bus veered off the road and rolled down a steep embankment, coming to rest in dense scrub with many occupants trapped. The truck with a semi-trailer came to a stop around 400 metres further down the freeway, with the driver pinned inside the cab.

CFA firefighters were among the first emergency services to arrive. Crews descended the slope using a secured hose reel, carrying rescue tools to reach and assist injured and disoriented students.

Simultaneously, other CFA crews helped to free the truck driver and manage a significant diesel spill, while several members supported Ambulance Victoria to attend to the students.

Fifteen students and one staff member were hospitalised. Fortunately, there were no fatalities.

“This was an incredibly complex and emotionally charged scene, and our members showed true professionalism under pressure,” Garry said.

“Their ability to respond quickly, work alongside other emergency services and provide reassurance to young people in distress is something we as an organisation are very proud of.”

Captain of Bacchus Marsh Fire Brigade Ryan O’Shannessy, who was the CFA Incident Controller, said it was one of the most confronting incidents his crew had faced.

“It was a callout that really showed the heart of our members, stepping in with empathy, skill and care to help a busload of young students and teachers who’d just been through something terrifying,” Ryan said.

“The injuries we saw were confronting, but everyone did what they could to help, drawing on our CFA training, life experience and the support of all the agencies working together.

“Seeing our crews comfort those kids, assess injuries and stay calm under pressure made me incredibly proud. It was a true team effort — not just from the three CFA brigades, but also from Fire Rescue Victoria, VICSES, Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria.

“We are grateful for this acknowledgement by the Victorian community and CFA, and while it was one incident of significance, we humbly accept this Unit Citation on behalf of our brigades for all the incidents we have and will continue to attend when called upon to help our local and wider communities in protecting life and property.”

Captain of Ballan Fire Brigade Ben Hatfield said the recognition meant a great deal.

“We’re proud to receive this on behalf of our brigades, but more importantly, we’re proud of how our members responded that day,” Ben said.

“This citation may recognise one moment, but it reflects the work we do every time we’re called to help, especially when it’s our youngest community members who need us most.”

 

Submitted by	CFA media