THE RIDE HOME THAT ENDED IN HEARTBREAK: BROTHER, 11, AND SISTER, 7, IDENTIFIED AFTER HORROR PARWAN ROLLOVER — BUT THE TRAGEDY DIDN’T END AT THE CRASH SCENE
The two children killed in a single-vehicle rollover west of Melbourne have been identified.
Ossama El Hawli, 11, and Sarah El Hawli, 7, were among seven children being driven home from school when the eight-seater 4WD rolled at the intersection of Nerowie Rd and Parwan-Exford Rd in Parwan about 4.30pm on Tuesday.
Sarah died at the scene despite efforts to revive her.
Ossama was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition but died overnight.
The Australian Islamic Centre described the children’s deaths as a “heartbreaking loss” for the community.
“It is with profound sadness that the Australian Islamic Centre mourns the passing of Ossama El Hawli (11) & Sarah El Hawli (7), two beloved young members of our community, following Tuesday’s tragic accident in Parwan,” it said in a statement.
“Their loss has deeply affected our entire AIC community.
“Our hearts are with their parents, family and loved ones as they face an unimaginable loss.”
The centre said it was helping to co-ordinate funeral and Janazah arrangements, with further details to be announced.
“We kindly ask everyone to await the official announcement and allow the family the privacy and space they need to grieve,” it said.
“We pray that Allah Us surrounds both children with His infinite mercy, grants them the highest ranks of Jannah, and grants their parents and loved ones immense patience, strength and comfort.”
The five other children were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver, a 34-year-old woman, was also taken to hospital and remains under observation.
It is understood Sarah and Ossama attended Al Iman College in Melton South, about 8km from the crash site.
Footage captured by the 7NEWS helicopter showed the chaos and devastation as paramedics and other first in first responders rushed to help.
Family members could be seen crying at the scene.
Detective Sergeant Tony Gentile described the scene as “hectic”.
“From my understanding, the scene was quite hectic, people everywhere, witnesses who witnessed it; they stopped and rendered assistance,” he said.
“Obviously, with seven children, they were distressed, and they were cared for by paramedics, members of the public and police.
“This is just a really sad set of circumstances. We ask the public to drive to the conditions and be mindful of their surroundings.”
Police have ruled out speed, drugs and alcohol as contributing factors in the fatal crash.
Investigations into the incident remain ongoing and anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
SOURCE: https://7news.com.au/news/car-accidents/ossama-el-hawli-11-and-sarah-el-hawli-7-identified-as-victims-of-parwan-rollover-west-of-melbourne-c-22845128
