The family of the driver whose car crashed into five students at a Melbourne primary school, killing one boy, say they feel deep grief and wish the tragedy was “a bad dream”.

Jack Davey, 11, was killed and four other students were injured when a car crashed through the fence at Auburn South Primary School in Melbourne’s east on Tuesday and hit a table where they were sat.

The family of the 40-year-old driver released a statement via Victoria Police on Friday evening offering their condolences to Jack Davey’s family.

“No words can truly express the depth of this tragedy,” the family said.

“We are all in shock, hoping this is just a bad dream, but unfortunately this is our reality.

“To Jack’s family, we can only offer our deepest condolences; our thoughts are with you and all the families affected by this loss,” the family said.

The family also wished a speedy recovery to the four other children injured in the collision.

“To the injured, may you heal quickly – God bless you all,” they said.

“As a family with children, we feel this grief deeply, sharing the pain that others now carry.

“It’s not about the words we say, but the true sorrow we carry in our hearts.

“May God watch over everyone and bring strength and comfort to those who suffer.

“We thank the school staff and first responders who responded.

“We have assisted in the investigation and ask for privacy as we deal with such an overwhelming tragedy.”

Jack Davey died shortly after the collision while the other four were taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Three of the children have since been released from hospital.

Police said the crash happened after the driver made a U-turn on Burgess Street after picking up a child from Auburn South Elementary School around 2:30 p.m.

The driver was arrested Tuesday and questioned by police, then released pending further investigation.

A primary school age child who was a passenger in the vehicle was unhurt.