Emergency services were called to Rouse Hill Public School shortly before 4pm yesterday, where police were told a five-year-old girl had been riding a scooter on a footpath when she was struck by the vehicle.
Paramedics treated her at the scene before taking her to Westmead Children’s Hospital in a critical condition.
Early this morning, police announced the girl had died.
Department of Education secretary Mirat Dizdar said the loss was ”deeply devastating for the entire school community”.
“I saw that firsthand,” Dizdar said.
The 42-year-old driver is a father who was picking up his children.
He underwent mandatory testing and was released without charge.
“My heart goes out to the driver too,” one mother at the school said.
In a joint statement, Mark Speakman, Sarah Mitchell and Ray Williams from the NSW state opposition said the tragedy would “shake the community to its core”.
“Our hearts ache for the family and friends of the little girl who lost her life outside Rouse Hill Public School,” the statement said,
“We are thinking of her loved ones, her classmates and the teachers and parents who are mourning today.
“Our deepest thanks go to the paramedics, police and hospital staff who acted with courage and compassion in the most heartbreaking circumstances.
“We also want to thank the Department of Education staff who are supporting the school community through this difficult time.”
