Tributes flow for Auburn South Primary School community after ...

Support is being offered to a school community in Melbourne's east after a child was killed when a car crashed into the school grounds yesterday afternoon, also injuring four other children.

Police said the driver, a 40-year-old Hawthorn East woman, was performing a U-turn on Burgess Street after picking up a child from the school when she drove through a fence at Auburn South Primary School after 2:30pm.

The car struck a table where five children were seated, including an 11-year-old boy who died while being taken to hospital.

Two 11-year-old girls, one 10-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy were also taken to hospital, where they remained in a serious but stable condition overnight.

Two of the children were taken to the Royal Children's Hospital, while the other two were transported to Monash Hospital.

A Department of Education statement shortly after the incident said the driver had suffered a medical episode but police said it was too early to determine the exact reason behind the crash.

Five children were struck by a car that drove into a fence at Auburn South Primary School.  (ABC News)

Victoria Police Inspector Craig McEvoy said it was a "tragic circumstance" for everyone involved.

"From the community [to] the school community, the locals, the first responders, ambos, police — it's really tough," he said.

"These events are always hard where there's death and serious injury, but especially difficult when there's children involved."

Messages of sorrow and support have been flowing in from local politicians, including from Federal Member for Kooyong Monique Ryan.

"We are all so sorry and so saddened by this devastating tragedy," she said.

"As a community I know we will come together to support each other."

The driver of the car has been released pending further enquiries. (ABC News)

Victorian Opposition Leader and Member for Hawthorn John Pesutto said the incident was "simply devastating".

"Auburn South Primary is an outstanding local school with a tight-knit community of students, teachers, parents and friends, and this incident will come as a painful shock," he said.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said the incident had cast a "dark shadow" over the city and state.

"I'm sending my love and thoughts to the students, their families and the whole school community. And my thanks to the first responders on the scene," she said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Victorian Education Minister Ben Carroll spoke with the Auburn South Primary School principal last night to offer counselling services, mental health support and chaplains to the school.

"What happened yesterday was every parent's worst nightmare. We extend our sincere sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the family of the student who lost his life," he said.

"This is a terrible tragedy. At times like this, school communities do come together."

Mr Carroll said around 20 teachers from other schools were on hand to help at the school in case teachers needed to take time off.

The City of Boroondara posted a statement on its Facebook page saying staff were "deeply saddened" by the tragedy.

"Our hearts go out to the families, friends, and the entire school community who are grappling with this devastating loss," the statement said.

The driver of the car was arrested and interviewed by police on Tuesday afternoon.

She has since been released pending further enquiries.

A primary school-aged child who was a passenger in the vehicle was unharmed. 

Inspector McEvoy said the investigation was in its initial stages, and included the Major Collision Investigation unit and the state coroner.

Auburn South Primary School closed after the crash. (ABC News)

Auburn South Primary School will reopen on Wednesday with extra support.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam or CCTV footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.