Today Show Alex Cullen fights back tears on live TV remembering kindergarten teacher  Eleanor Bryant

Today Show newsreader Alex Cullen has fought back tears while remembering a kindergarten teacher who was killed trying to protect the children as an out of control truck plowed into a pre-school.

Mother-of-two Eleanor Bryant, 43, pulled children out of harms way as the tanker ploughed through the playground of Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool in Riddells Creek, north-west of Melbourne on Monday afternoon. 

The speech pathologist who worked with special needs children at the preschool died at the scene, while a three-year-old boy was taken to the Royal Childrens Hospital. 

The boy was being treated for an arm injury and ambulance officials said he was not in a life-threatening condition.

Mr Cullen said he grew up with Ms Bryant.

We’re hurting—really, really hurting, he told cohost Sarah Abo. I think it’s easier if I read something I wrote earlier.

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 accomplished speech pathologist. 

Today Show newsreader Alex Cullen has fought back tears while remembering a kindergarten teacher who was killed trying to protect the children as an out of control truck plowed into a pre-school

Mother-of-two Eleanor Bryant, 43, pulled children out of harms way as the tanker ploughed through the playground of Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool in Riddells Creek, north-west of Melbourne on Monday afternoon 

She was the eldest of four kids who grew up on a farm just outside my hometown of Coonamble, a community in northwest 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 gave you the feeling that everything would be okay. 

To Tim, her husband, one of the nicest blokes you’d ever meet, we’re thinking of you, mate, and your wonderful kids—your 11-year-old son, a mad Sydney Swans fan, and your beautiful 9-year-old daughter.

It doesn’t surprise me one bit that Eleanor pushed those school kids out of harms way, ultimately saving their lives. She always, always put others first—a great example to us all. We’ll miss you, Eleanor, and thank you for everything you gave us.

Police remain investigating the shocking incident, where a suspected medical episode is believed to have caused the 68-year-old driver of the water tanker to veer off the road and hit the community centre.

The truck driver was also transported to hospital, and police said he was assisting them with their inquiries.

An out-of-control tanker ploughed through the playground of Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool in Riddells Creek, north-west of Melbourne on Monday

Police say its unbelievable that only one child was injured in the crash

Detective Senior Sergeant Christian Von Tunk said initial investigations led them to believe the truck lost control on a bridge about 120m from the pre-school.

It appears theres some contact with that bridge - we can see some debris, he said.

There are also some signs on the left-hand side of the road that appear to have been struck as well.

Its a tragic set of circumstances which actually could have been a lot worse … this is one of those close calls and I dont know how only one person has died today.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council CEO Bernie OSullivan said his organisations deepest condolences were with the impacted parties.

Locals in Riddells Creek console each other in the wake of the tragedy

We are working closely with emergency agencies in response and to find out more information as it comes to hand, he said.

Our immediate priority is to support those affected and our broader communities – particularly those in Riddells Creek – however we practically can.

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 Melbournes east.

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