Tragedy Strikes: Community Mourns Deaths of Two Young Children in Melbourne Crash

A community is in mourning following the tragic deaths of two young children, Ossama El Hawli, 11, and Sarah El Hawli, seven, in a single-vehicle crash west of Melbourne.

The 34-year-old female driver of the 4WD, which was carrying seven children after school pick-up, is believed to be Ossama's mother. The Australian Islamic Centre has released a statement expressing their condolences, saying 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 occurred at Parwan, west of Melbourne. Al Iman College in Melton South has confirmed it is focused on supporting the children's families at this time.

A funeral notice for the pair states their burials will be held tomorrow. The notice read:

"The El Hawli family with heavy hearts and profound sadness announced the passing of their beloved Ossama El Hawli and Sarah El Hawli,"

City of Melton mayor Lara Carli has 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.

Crash Details

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."

Police investigated the scene of the crash overnight. 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.

The Royal Children's Hospital confirmed all five children were in a stable condition. The 34-year-old driver was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital for observation.

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the circumstances behind the fatal crash. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has CCTV or dashcam footage, or information, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online report.