St Clare of Assisi parent killed after vehicle explosion
The father of a student at St Clare of Assisi Primary School has died after a vehicle explosion in the school car park.
Police and other services responded to a call at the Heidelberg Street school just before 5 pm on Thursday afternoon.
ACT Ambulance Services treated the man on site and he was later conveyed to the hospital. ACT Policing have confirmed the man died from the injuries he sustained. He was fifty years old.
School principal Matthew Egan-Richards contacted parents advising them of the tragedy and that the school would be closed on Friday, August 3 as a result.
“It is with deep sadness that I need to let you know that following an incident in the school carpark today, one of our parents has passed away,” the email read.
“At this difficult time, we pray for the family and friends. We will offer all the support we can in coming days and weeks.”
Archbishop Christopher Prowse also offered his condolences.
“Our sincerest prayers and thoughts go out to all affected by the recent tragedy at St Clare’s of Assisi Condor. We pray for the parent who has died and his grieving family.”
WorkSafe are expected to conduct an investigation into the incident in the coming days.
Catholic Education director Ross Fox said the parent was in the process of picking up a child from after-school care when the incident occurred.
“The focus of the school principal and the staff has been on supporting the families involved,” Mr. Fox said.
“… It’s a tragic event for the community and we’ll be doing everything we can to support the family the affected student and the community.”