A tragic car accident in Parwan, a locality situated approximately 28 miles west of Melbourne, has claimed the lives of two young cousins on the afternoon of Tuesday, September 8. The incident unfolded shortly after school pick-up and led to a significant emergency response.
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The victims of the crash have been identified as Sarah El Hawli, aged seven, and her 11-year-old cousin, Ossama El Hawli. This heartbreaking news has reverberated through the community, prompting an outpouring of grief and support for the affected families.
According to Victoria Police, emergency services were alerted around 4:30 p.m. local time after the incident occurred near the intersection of Nerowie and Parwan-Exford roads. A 34-year-old woman, reportedly Ossama’s mother, was behind the wheel of an eight-seater 4WD when it rolled over and ultimately stopped in a grassy area between the road and a nearby paddock. At the time of the accident, there were seven children in the vehicle.
The paramedics swiftly responded to the scene, where they administered aid to Sarah; however, she was pronounced dead at the location of the crash. Ossama was airlifted to a local hospital in critical condition but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries later that evening. Five other children, who were also in the vehicle, were taken to the hospital but are reported to have sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Additionally, the driver was hospitalised for observation following the incident.
Local reporting outlets, including the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and 9News, have extensively covered the event and identified the victims. The tragedy has left the community reeling, with many expressing their sorrow over the loss of two beloved cousins. The Australian Islamic Centre has publicly mourned their passing, stating, “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.”
Both children were pupils at Al Iman College in Melton South, a suburb of Melbourne. Their school has emphasised its commitment to supporting the families during this harrowing time, as students had just been collected from their classes prior to the crash.
In the aftermath of the incident, a poignant reflection from a close family member of Sarah described her as “an angel”, highlighting the impact of her loss on those who loved her. Support continues to flood in as friends and family grapple with this tragedy.
Three of the other young passengers are currently receiving care at the Royal Children’s Hospital in central Melbourne, one of whom is in a critical condition. A female toddler and two boys, each with minor injuries, are reportedly stable and being treated at Sunshine Hospital in St Albans.
Witness accounts from the scene indicate that the situation was chaotic, with family members rushing to assist those involved. Detective Sergeant Tony Gentile remarked on the distress of the children who survived, noting that local witnesses stopped to provide immediate support along with the emergency services.
Speculation has arisen regarding the cause of the rollover, with some family members suggesting the driver may have swerved to avoid a rock. However, this theory has not been confirmed by investigators as they continue to look into the circumstances of the accident.
As investigations proceed, the local community, and indeed the nation, mourns the tragic loss of Sarah and Ossama, with many coming together in solidarity to support their grief-stricken families during this profoundly difficult time.