Kids cheat death in Vic school bus crash

Dozens of children were lucky to survive with only minor injuries when their school bus was struck from behind in northern Victoria.

Heading for their first day of the new school term, 47 children were travelling to Euroa Secondary College when their bus was hit after they had turned from a side road on to the Hume Freeway at Locksley on Monday morning.

Eleven children suffered minor injuries when the bus and truck crashed off the freeway.

Witness Tina Davis told reporters at the scene many children were in shock after the crash.

"When I got here the kids were standing around crying," she said.

Another witness said: "It's lucky the bus didn't flip. It could have been a whole different story".

Four children were taken to Northern hospital in Melbourne, six went to Goulburn Valley Health in Shepparton and one was sent to The Royal Children's Hospital, an Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman said.

The 51-year-old truck driver was uninjured and is assisting police.

Police are amazed no one was badly hurt.

"Everybody walking away today with only minor injuries, it's a very lucky day for everyone involved," Acting Sergeant Braden Wright said.

The school has arranged counselling for children affected by the crash.