Melbourne mosque community mourns children killed in crash
Posted Wed 9 Sep 2026 at 3:48pmWed 9 Sep 2026 at 3:48pmWed 9 Sep 2026 at 3:48pm, updated Wed 9 Sep 2026 at 4:11pmWed 9 Sep 2026 at 4:11pmWed 9 Sep 2026 at 4:11pm
In short:
The two children who died in a single-vehicle rollover west of Melbourne yesterday have been identified as Ossama El Hawli, 11, and Sarah El Hawli, seven.
Sarah died at the scene, while Ossama was flown to hospital with critical injuries and later died.
Five other children ranging from toddler to teenager are in a stable condition at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
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.”
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.
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.
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 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.
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.