GONE FAR TOO SOON… — COMMUNITY MOURNS TWO YOUNG LIVES LOST IN HORROR CRASH
Melbourne mosque community mourns children killed in crash
Victoria Police said seven children were inside the vehicle when it rolled. (ABC News)
A community is mourning the deaths of 11-year-old Ossama El Hawli and seven-year-old Sarah El Hawli in a single-vehicle crash west of Melbourne yesterday.
The Australian Islamic Centre said the two children, who are relatives, were “beloved young members of our community”.
“Their loss has deeply affected our entire AIC community,” the statement said.
“Our hearts are with their parents, family and loved ones as they face an unimaginable loss.”
The single-vehicle crash happened at Parwan, west of Melbourne. (ABC News)
Al Iman College in Melton South told the ABC it was focused on supporting the children’s families at this time.
A funeral notice for the pair states their burials will be held tomorrow.
“The El Hawli family with heavy hearts and profound sadness announced the passing of their beloved Ossama El Hawli and Sarah El Hawli,” the notice said.
City of Melton mayor Lara Carli offered condolences to the family on behalf of the council.
“In the days, weeks and months ahead, our community will come together to support all those affected,” she said.
Horror crash just after school pick-up
Emergency services were called to Nerowie and Parwan-Exford roads just before 4:30pm yesterday, where a 4WD had rolled over.
Police said the eight-seater vehicle, driven by a mother who had just picked up children from school, “inexplicably rolled”.
“From my understanding, the scene was quite hectic with family coming as well and there were people everywhere,” Detective Sergeant Tony Gentile said.
“Witnesses who witnessed it, they stopped and rendered assistance.
“Obviously with seven children they were distressed and they were cared for by paramedics, members of the public and police.”
Police investigated the scene of the crash overnight. (ABC News)
A fleet of ambulance crews attended the scene, including two Air Ambulance Victoria helicopter crews, two Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedic crews and seven Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedic crews.
Paramedics worked to treat Sarah El Hawli, but she died at the scene.
Ossama El Hawli was flown to the Royal Children’s Hospital with critical injuries, but died in hospital overnight.
Five other children, including a toddler, three primary-aged children and a teenager, were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Ossama El Hawli was airlifted to hospital with critical injuries and later died. (ABC News)
The Royal Children’s Hospital said today all five children were in a stable condition.
A 34-year-old woman was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital for observation.
Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the circumstances behind the fatal crash.
