FIVE children remained in hospital yesterday as the Scotch College Adelaide community continued to come to terms with the school bus roll-over which occurred on Wednesday afternoon.
A total of 56 intermediate and senior rowers were on a camp at the Nelson River when the bus carrying 21 students crashed on Portland-Nelson Road just after 4pm.
Seven were initially transported to hospital via ambulance or helicopter, however school principal Dr John Newton confirmed all but five had been discharged.
“Whilst our thoughts are very much with every family impacted, I am pleased to inform you that all staff and students involved have been medically assessed and all but five have been discharged from hospital in both Mount Gambier and Adelaide,” he said.
“They are in stable condition and their families are now with them as they receive ongoing support and medical care for non-life threatening injuries.”
Describing it as a difficult time for the college community, Dr Newton said all 34 intermediate rowers will return to Adelaide immediately, while 22 senior rowers will continue the camp program as planned.
“We have respected their choice and are making a few program adjustments and ensuring they have everything they need,” Dr Newton said.
“The college is working closely with all agencies involved to enable immediate and ongoing support.
“All of our staff are also back on campus from today and we will be looking to them to help our community get through this very difficult time.”
Portland highway patrol Sergeant Ryan Nelson said police were continuing to investigate the evidence.
“Our investigations are continuing and we had officers return to the scene to examine it again yesterday,” he said.
“We have spoken to the driver, he has been interviewed and enquiries are pending in relation to the prosecution or any other follow-up.”
With the crash happening right on the border of South Australia and Victoria, Sgt Nelson said it was good to see emergency services from both states work together.
“It was great to see everyone working together to achieve the best outcome and the children got the best possible care as a result,” Sgt Nelson said.
Mount Gambier Hospital had an influx of patients at the emergency department as a result of the crash.
However, acting director of nursing Pam Schubert said the hospital regularly runs practice exercises to prepare for this type of situation.
“During periods of high demand we continue to prioritise admissions according to the patient’s clinical needs and any patient that requires urgent care is seen immediately,” she said.
“Mount Gambier Hospital staff responded to the bus crash incident exceptionally well, with additional staff called to assist in the ED, operating rooms and the wards.”
Ms Schubert also praised the work of administration staff who assisted with multiple calls and an off duty social worker who helped with contacting and supporting patients and their families.
“We would like to thank all of our staff for their continuous hard work in providing care for our patients on a daily basis.”
