A grieving community is paying tribute to 11-year-old Ossama El Hawli and seven-year-old Sarah El Hawli, who lost their lives following a devastating single-vehicle rollover west of Melbourne, a tragedy that has left families, friends and community members in shock.
The Australian Islamic Centre (AIC) described the children as cherished members of its community and expressed deep sorrow over their deaths. In a heartfelt statement, the centre said the loss of the two young siblings had profoundly affected the entire community and extended its condolences to their parents and loved ones.
“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.”
Al Iman College in Melton, where the children were connected to the school community, said its immediate focus was supporting the grieving family during this difficult time.
The fatal crash occurred shortly before 4:30pm on Sunday at the intersection of Nerowie Road and Parwan-Exford Road in Parwan, southwest of Melbourne. Emergency services responded to reports that a four-wheel-drive vehicle had rolled over.
A major emergency response was launched, involving multiple ambulance crews, including two Air Ambulance Victoria helicopters, two Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) teams and seven Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedic crews.
Paramedics treated Sarah El Hawli at the scene, but she could not be saved and was pronounced dead. Her brother, Ossama, was airlifted to the Royal Children’s Hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries overnight.
Five other children who were inside the vehicle, including a toddler, three primary school-aged children and a teenager, were transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The Royal Children’s Hospital confirmed that all five children were in stable condition.
A 34-year-old woman was also taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital for observation following the crash.
Detectives from Victoria Police’s Major Collision Investigation Unit have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident. Authorities are appealing to anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant CCTV, dashcam footage or information to come forward and assist investigators.
As tributes continue to pour in, the heartbreaking loss of Ossama and Sarah has united Melbourne’s Muslim and wider communities in mourning, with many remembering the siblings as bright young lives taken far too soon.
+ There are no comments
Add yours