The family of a 12-year-old student killed in a bus rollover north-west of Geelong yesterday has remembered her as a “beautiful soul with the whole world in front of her”.

A Christian College Geelong bus carrying 28 primary and high school students fell on its side when it was turning left onto the Hamilton Highway from Friend in Hand Road in Stonehaven about 8.20am yesterday.

The incident triggered a multi-agency emergency response to free students trapped inside.

Year 7 student Milla Killeen died at the scene.

In a statement, her family said they were “struggling to come to terms with the loss of our beloved Milla”.

“We were made aware of the crash quite quickly, but it wasn’t for several hours that our worst fears were realised – Milla was the one that was sadly taken,” the family said.

“We don’t know why this has happened.

“It’s difficult to describe all the emotions we feel right now but we are supporting one another and now ask that our family’s privacy is respected.”

The Killeen family remembered the year 7 student as a patient girl who was “kind and protective of those she loved”, especially her younger brother.

“Milla was thriving at school where she loved learning new languages,” they said.

“It brought us great joy when she would come home and try to teach her nan bits of Indonesian or Japanese that she’d learned throughout the day.

“Milla was very artistic, enjoyed drawing and designing lots of different things and she loved her sport.

The 12-year-old was a passionate Geelong Cats fan, who would often sit in the stands at matches with her mum and pa.

“She used to play junior footy but lately had been focusing on basketball where she reached representative level and was about to play in a final on Friday night.”

Milla’s basketball club also paid tribute to the “beautiful soul” in a post to Facebook.

“Milla was a cherished part of our girls program at Try Boys, and her absence will be profoundly felt by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her,” Try Boys Basketball Club wrote.

“With her easygoing nature and infectious smile, Milla had a special way of lighting up every room she walked into.

“She quickly endeared herself to teammates, coaches, and the wider community, not just as a talented player who proudly represented us at Jamboree, JCC, and in the FDP but as a beautiful soul who brought joy wherever she went.

“Milla will forever be remembered, not only for her talent, but for the kindness, warmth, and spirit she brought to all those around her.”

Christian College Geelong executive principal Mathilda Joubert said the family and the school were mourning the “unimaginable loss” and “tragedy” together.

“Milla will be remembered for her beautiful personal qualities, her vibrancy and infectious personality,” she said in a statement.

“Her kindness, warmth and joy impacted all who shared her company.

“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.”

Christian College Geelong will provide ongoing support to her peers and family.

“In our deep grief, we are also coming together as a community to support one another, drawing strength from God, and the care and compassion that Milla herself demonstrated to others,” Joubert said.

A total of 24 students were taken to hospital.

A 16-year-old boy suffered serious injuries, nine students had non-life-threatening injuries, and 14 students were taken for observation.

Yesterday’s bus crash has come as a shock to both the school and the local community.

Ambulance Victoria acting manager Dave Shearer said there were some “incredibly distressed” parents at the scene of the crash, which Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Lineham described as “incredibly confronting” for first responders.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said his “heart breaks” to have learnt of the incident near his hometown of Geelong.

“My first thoughts are with the family, friends and the school at this time and those that are injured,” he said.

The bus driver, a 76-year-old man, was discharged from hospital and interviewed at Geelong Police Station.

He has been released pending further investigation.

Police said the bus driver had passed preliminary blood and alcohol testing at the scene and will have further blood work done.

The exact circumstances of the crash remain unknown.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has vision or information that could help police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.