Driver charged over fatal 2025 bus crash

Police have charged the driver of a school bus involved in a fatal crash west of Melbourne last year. The incident, which occurred on August 27, 2025, resulted in the death of a 12-year-old girl and injured 15 other passengers.

The bus rolled on the Hamilton Highway at Stonehaven, near Geelong, around 8:20 a.m. Authorities allege the crash happened as the bus was turning left onto the highway from Friend in Hand Road. A total of 31 students were on board at the time of the accident.

A 12-year-old girl from Teesdale died at the scene. A 16-year-old passenger was transported to the hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries. Nine other students sustained non-life-threatening injuries, while 14 others were taken for observation.

The accused driver, a 76-year-old man from Hamlyn Heights, faces multiple charges. These include dangerous driving causing death, failing to stop at a stop sign, and careless driving. He has been granted bail and is scheduled to appear at the Geelong Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, August 18.