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Bus Driver Charged Over Stonehaven School-Bus Rollover

Detectives have laid criminal charges nearly a year after the crash, moving the matter into court and signaling possible further scrutiny of road safety at the intersection.

Overview

  • Police charged the 76-year-old bus driver with dangerous driving causing death, failing to stop at a stop sign and careless driving and bailed him to appear at Geelong Magistrates' Court.
  • A Year 7 student, 12-year-old Milla Killeen, died at the scene when the bus rolled while turning from Friend in Hand Road onto the Hamilton Highway.
  • The bus was carrying 31 primary and secondary students and multiple people were hurt, including a 16-year-old who was airlifted with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
  • Authorities say the stop-sign allegation is central to the charges and the criminal case now replaces the prolonged police inquiry as the formal path for accountability.
  • Family, schools and local groups have mourned the loss since the crash and the court process could prompt wider questions about intersection design, operator practices and driver oversight.