An emotional Today host Alex Cullen has paid tribute to the hero teacher who “sacrificed her life” to save children when a truck ploughed through a preschool fence.

Teacher Eleanor Bryant, 43, died after a water tanker crashed through the fence of the Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool in Riddells Creek, north-west of Melbourne, on Monday.

Bryant has been hailed as a hero for pushing several children out of the careening truck.

A three-year-old boy was taken to the Royal Children’s Hospital with an arm injury. He was the only other person injured in the incident, shortly after 2pm on Monday – although police have said they “don’t know how” the toll wasn’t higher.

On Tuesday, Cullen – a childhood friend of Bryant – told Today she was an “amazing woman” who “lit up every room”.

“There are people in this world who you can’t quite believe are so kind, so generous, so wonderful and caring. Eleanor Bryant … was one of those people,” Cullen said, clearly emotional as he read from a prepared script.

“Eleanor was a light that lit up every room, never had a bad word to say about anyone.”

He said Bryant “had that knack of giving you that sense that everything will be OK”.

“It does not surprise me one bit that Eleanor pushed those school kids out of the way yesterday to ultimately save their lives. She always, always put others first,” he said.

“We will miss you, Eleanor, and thank you for everything you gave us.”

Bryant was an accomplished speech pathologist who grew up in Coonamble in central-western NSW and leaves behind a husband, 11-year-old son and nine-year-old daughter.

Her family paid their own tribute in a statement on Tuesday.

“We are devastated by the loss of our beautiful Eleanor. She was the light of our lives, a cherished wife, mother, daughter and sister, and beloved by her family and enormous network of friends,” they said.

“Her infectious smile, sense of humour, and passion for life made her a joy to be around. There is an enormous hole in our hearts today.

“We thank the emergency services for their tireless work, and the public for their beautiful tributes. We will miss her like crazy. We thank you for respecting our privacy at this difficult time.”

Victoria Police chief commissioner Shane Patton said early reports showed Bryant’s actions had saved the lives of several children.

“I’m led to believe she acted heroically and moved a number of children out of the way of the vehicle,” he told ABC Melbourne radio.

The local basketball club also paid tribute to its equipment and uniform co-ordinator.

“Riddells Creek Basketball Club are devastated to learn of the passing of one of our own,” the club’s Facebook post read.

“Eleanor was the most kind, thoughtful and funny friend.

“She gave generously to her community and was committed to supporting the RCR kids to get onto the court. Most importantly, Eleanor was an amazing mum and wife.”

At the crash scene on Monday, Senior Sergeant Christian Von Tunk said the death toll from the accident could have been much higher.

“A tragic set of circumstances that actually could have been a lot worse,” he said.

“I don’t know how only one person has died today, it’s unbelievable.”

The 68-year-old truck driver was also transported to hospital. He will be interviewed by police once medically cleared.

His employer, local company McKenzie Water, issued a statement on Monday.

“Our experienced 68-year-old driver is understood to have suffered a medical episode and remains in hospital … we are doing what we can to support him and his family,” owner Alan McKenzie said.

Von Tunk said police believed the truck lost control on a bridge about 120 metres from the preschool.

“It’s a tragic set of circumstances which actually could have been a lot worse … this is one of those close calls and I don’t know how only one person has died today,” he said.

The crash came 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 Melbourne’s east.

-with AAP