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Moment Today Show Alex Cullen fights back tears on live TV in memory of nursery school teacher Eleanor Bryant who was killed by a truck that crashed into the Riddells Creek nursery school

Today Show newsreader Alex Cullen fought back tears as he remembered his family friend: a kindergarten teacher who tragically lost her life while trying to protect children when an out-of-control truck crashed into a preschool.

Mother-of-two Eleanor Bryant, 43, was dragging children out of harm’s way when the water tanker plowed through the playground at the Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool in Riddells Creek, northwest of Melbourne, on Monday afternoon.

It is believed the 68-year-old truck driver suffered a medical episode before veering off the road.

Speech therapist Ms Bryant, who worked with children with special needs at the nursery, died at the scene, while a three-year-old boy was taken to the Royal Children’s Hospital with a non-life-threatening arm injury.

The Channel Nine presenter fought back tears as he spoke about growing up with Ms Bryant in rural Coonamble, north-west NSW, and paid a heartbreaking tribute to ‘EJ’ and her family.

“We are in pain, really in pain,” he told co-host Sarah Abo.

“There are people in this world who you can hardly believe are so kind, so generous, so wonderful and caring.

“Eleanor Bryant, or EJ as she was to us, was one of those people.

‘Eleanor was a light that lit up every room, never spoke ill of anyone and was an experienced speech therapist.

Today Show newsreader Alex Cullen has fought back tears as he remembered a kindergarten teacher who was killed while trying to protect children when an out-of-control truck crashed into a kindergarten

Today Show newsreader Alex Cullen has fought back tears as he remembered a kindergarten teacher who was killed while trying to protect children when an out-of-control truck crashed into a kindergarten

Cohost Sarah Abo gave him a hug after his emotional tribute

Cohost Sarah Abo gave him a hug after his emotional tribute

Eleanor Bryant, 43, a mother of two, pulled children out of harm's way on Monday afternoon when the tanker plowed through the playground at the Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool in Riddells Creek, northwest of Melbourne.

Eleanor Bryant, 43, a mother of two, pulled children out of harm’s way on Monday afternoon when the tanker plowed through the playground at the Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool in Riddells Creek, northwest of Melbourne.

“She was the eldest of four children who grew up on a farm just outside my hometown of Coonamble, a community in north-west NSW where everyone knows everyone and they all look out for each other.

“Eleanor had so many friends – so many wonderful friends – and she would do anything for anyone. She was the kind of person who made you feel like everything was going to be okay.

‘To Tim, her husband, one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, we are thinking of you, mate, and your wonderful children – your 11 year old son, a crazy Sydney Swans fan, and your beautiful 9 year old daughter.

‘It doesn’t surprise me that Eleanor pushed those schoolchildren out of harm’s way and ultimately saved their lives.

“She always put others first, a great example for us all. We will miss you, Eleanor, and thank you for all you have given us.”

The truck driver was also taken to hospital and police said he was assisting them with their investigation.

An out-of-control tanker plowed through the playground at the Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool in Riddells Creek, northwest of Melbourne, on Monday

An out-of-control tanker plowed through the playground at the Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool in Riddells Creek, northwest of Melbourne, on Monday

Police say it is 'incredible' that only one child was injured in the crash

Police say it is ‘incredible’ that only one child was injured in the crash

Detective Senior Sergeant Christian Von Tunk said initial investigation led them to believe the truck lost control on a bridge about 400 feet from the kindergarten.

“It looks like there’s some contact with that bridge, we can see some debris,” he said.

‘Also on the left side of the road there are some signs that appear to have been affected.

“It’s a tragic set of circumstances that actually could have been a lot worse… this is one of those close calls and I don’t know how only one person died today.”

Bernie O’Sullivan, CEO of the Macedon Ranges Shire Council, said his organisation’s deepest condolences go out to those affected.

Locals in Riddells Creek are comforting each other in the aftermath of the tragedy

Locals in Riddells Creek are comforting each other in the aftermath of the tragedy

“We are working closely with emergency services in response and to obtain further information as it becomes available,” he said.

“Our immediate priority is to support those affected and our wider communities – especially those in Riddells Creek – however we can practically do that.”

The crash comes less than two weeks after 11-year-old Jack Davey was killed and four other students injured after an SUV crashed through a fence at Auburn South Primary School in Melbourne’s east.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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