A dramatic incident unfolded on the streets of Geelong on Thursday afternoon when a stolen vehicle rammed into a school bus, sparking a chaotic police pursuit that culminated in gunfire and multiple collisions. The alarming event, which occurred on a busy road near educational institutions, has left the local community shaken and prompted a thorough investigation by authorities.
Chaotic Scene on Latrobe Terrace
Shortly before 4pm on Thursday, a black Kia Optima—allegedly stolen—reversed into a school bus carrying students from Sacred Heart College and St Joseph's College. The collision took place on Latrobe Terrace, close to Matthew Flinders Secondary College, in what police describe as an attempt to flee from officers. Witnesses reported hearing children screaming from the bus, followed by at least two gunshots, as the situation rapidly escalated.
Police Pursuit and Further Collisions
According to police statements, the Kia then drove directly at law enforcement personnel, prompting one officer to discharge their firearm. The stolen vehicle subsequently collided with another civilian car at a nearby intersection just minutes after the initial impact with the bus. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the students on the bus, though the female driver of the civilian vehicle sustained minor injuries and required hospital treatment.
Arrests and Charges
The two occupants of the Kia attempted to escape the scene on foot but were apprehended by police near the crash site. A 43-year-old woman, who suffered minor injuries during the incident, was taken to hospital under police guard. Following interviews with detectives, she has been charged with handling stolen goods and bailed to appear at Geelong Magistrates' Court on March 31.
A 37-year-old male occupant was transported to hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his arm and remains under police guard. The investigation into the stolen vehicle and subsequent crash is being managed by the Professional Standards Command, which is standard procedure whenever a police firearm is discharged during an incident.
Community Reaction and School Response
Parents and residents expressed shock and concern following the traumatic event. Simon Trickeys, whose child attends school in Geelong, told the Geelong Advertiser he couldn't believe what had occurred. "It's not the thing you want to hear on the first day of school," he said. "I didn't think people got shot in Geelong, but I guess this is what the world is like at the moment."
Another concerned mother, who chose to remain anonymous, described getting "goosebumps" when she heard the gunshots. "I was thinking: 'Is this actually happening, am I making this up?'" she recounted to the Advertiser.
Andy Kuppe, CEO of Mercy Education, has assured the public that children on the affected bus will be closely monitored in the aftermath of the incident. Speaking to ABC Radio Melbourne on Friday, Kuppe explained that while most students showed excitement and chatter about their first day back from break, the school would be vigilant for any behavioral or mood changes that might indicate trauma.
"For hopefully only a very few or none, it might have triggered a memory of some other sort of trauma in their life," Kuppe stated. "[The school will] be monitoring the girls to see if there's any change in their behaviour or mood and responding accordingly."
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stolen vehicle and the series of collisions. Police have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers as they work to piece together the full sequence of events that disrupted a routine school afternoon in Geelong.
