The 76-year-old driver was also taken to hospital after the crash but was discharged after several hours and was assisting police with their inquiries.
Christian College Geelong executive principal Mathilda Joubert published a statement on Thursday morning paying tribute to the year 7 student.
A flag flying at half-mast at Christian College.Credit: Caroline Schelle
“Milla will be remembered for her beautiful personal qualities, her vibrancy and infectious personality. Her kindness, warmth and joy impacted all who shared her company,” Joubert said.
“Milla was a keen and talented basketballer, and an integral part of the Christian College representative team at the recent state championships.
“She was a treasured member of our college community, and her loss is deeply felt by all staff, students and our Christian College families. This is a time of unimaginable loss.”
The principal of Killeen’s primary school in Teesdale described the grief of losing the former student.
The bus rolled over on the Hamilton Highway in Stonehaven on Wednesday.Credit: AAP
“Milla was a much-loved friend, student and leader in her time at Teesdale Primary and I know you will share in our despair at her loss,” principal Sam Irwin wrote to the school community on Wednesday. “Our thoughts are with Milla’s parents, Erin and Marty, and Milla’s younger brother, Harvey, at such a difficult time.”
A collection of floral tributes was placed at the gates of the college’s middle school campus in Highton to honour Killeen, who was killed when the school bus crashed at Stonehaven, just 20 minutes away from her school.
Flags were at half-mast at the college and students were hugged by their parents before they walked into the school building, as U2’s Beautiful Day played in lieu of the usual class bell.
After a quick downpour, a rainbow appeared behind the school.
Milla Killeen’s school, Christian College, paid tribute to a talented student.Credit: Caroline Schelle
At the crash site on Thursday, road crews were working to fix the barriers and a lone bouquet of flowers lay at the side of the highway.
Nearby canola fields were buffeted by the strong winds, while cars along the road slowed to 40km/h as the crews worked.
In an update on Thursday morning, Victoria Police said detectives from the major collision investigation unit were still investigating the crash that killed Killeen.
Police believe the bus was turning left onto the Hamilton Highway from Friend in Hand Road when it crashed.
The bus has been lifted back on to its wheels.Credit: Chris Hopkins
There were 28 school students on board the bus at the time, ranging from primary to secondary school age, police said.
A 16-year-old boy from Inverleigh was airlifted to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, and nine students were hospitalised with non-life-threatening injuries.
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Another 14 students were taken to hospital for observation.
“The bus driver has been interviewed and released pending further enquiries,” police said.
A spokesperson from the Royal Children’s Hospital said two children admitted yesterday remained in a stable condition.
Seven children remained in hospital in Geelong overnight in a stable condition. All are expected to be discharged today, a Barwon Health spokesman said.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, with CCTV/dashcam footage or any information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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