Two children have died and five others remain hospitalized following a single-vehicle rollover crash in Parwan, west of Melbourne, according to emergency services and police reports. The tragic incident occurred just before 4:30 p.m. yesterday near the intersection of Nerowie Road and Parwan-Exford Road when an eight-seater 4WD, driven by a 34-year-old woman who had just picked up children from school, inexplicably rolled over.
Victims Identified After Parwan Rollover Crash
The victims have been identified as 11-year-old Ossama El Hawli and seven-year-old Sarah El Hawli, who were relatives and attended Al Iman College in Melton South, located about 8km from the crash site. According to emergency personnel, Sarah El Hawli died at the scene despite medical attempts to revive her. Ossama El Hawli was airlifted to the Royal Children’s Hospital with critical injuries and died overnight.
Emergency Response and Hospital Status of Surviving Children
A large deployment of emergency responders rushed to the scene, including two Air Ambulance Victoria helicopter crews, two Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance teams, and seven Advanced Life Support paramedic crews. Detective Sergeant Tony Gentile described the location as hectic, with family members arriving and witnesses stopping to render assistance. Five other children—ranging from a toddler to a teenager—were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening conditions. According to updates from the Royal Children’s Hospital, all five surviving children are presently in a stable condition, while the 34-year-old driver was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital for observation.
Did You Know?
A large emergency response fleet deployed to the Parwan crash scene included two Air Ambulance Victoria helicopter crews, two Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedic crews, and seven Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedic crews, according to official reports.
Community Grief and Ongoing Police Investigations
Local leaders and educational institutions have expressed profound grief over the tragedy. The Australian Islamic Centre released a statement describing Ossama and Sarah as “beloved young members of our community” whose loss deeply affects everyone connected to the center. City of Melton Mayor Lara Carli offered official council condolences, noting that the community will rally together to support all affected families in the coming weeks and months. Meanwhile, Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are actively examining the circumstances behind the rollover. Authorities urge anyone with dashcam footage, CCTV, or information regarding the crash to contact Crime Stoppers.
Expert Insight:
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the crash happen?
The single-vehicle rollover occurred at the intersection of Nerowie Road and Parwan-Exford Road in Parwan, west of Melbourne.
Which schools did the children attend?
Sarah and Ossama El Hawli attended Al Iman College in Melton South.
How can the public assist police?
Anyone with witness accounts, CCTV footage, dashcam recordings, or other information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or submit an online report.
What steps can local authorities take to improve safety at regional intersections following this tragedy?
Worth a look