A driver reportedly swerved to avoid rocks on the road in the moments before a school run turned into a horrific rollover which killed two school-aged children.
Cousins Ossama El Hawli, 11 and Sarah El Hawli, who was just seven, died after the vehicle they were travelling in rolled near the intersection of Nerowie and Parwan-Exford Rd in Parwan on Tuesday.
Five others suffered injuries in the tragedy, which happened at just before 4pm.
7News reports that the woman who was driving has told family she swerved to avoid rocks on the road.
A moving tribute to the pair was shared on Wednesday by the Australian Islamic Centre, confirming their identities and offering condolences to their parents.
“It is with profound sadness that the Australian Islamic Centre mourns the passing of Ossama El Hawli (11) and Sarah El Hawli (seven), two beloved members of our community, following Tuesday’s tragic accident in Parwan,” the statement reads.
“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.”
Sarah received urgent care at the scene from paramedics, but could not be saved.
Ossama was flown to hospital with critical injuries, but died overnight.
The pair had been picked up from school by a 34-year-old woman, along with five other youngsters, who all suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
The woman was taken to hospital for observation.
Detective Sergeant Tony Gentile said there “people everywhere” at the scene of the tragedy, with witnesses to the crash stopping to help.
“The scene was quite hectic, with family coming as well,” he said.
“The vehicle inexplicably rolled – we don’t know why.
“This is just a really sad set of circumstances, really very sad.”
He said while investigators never exclude drugs or alcohol, neither was “apparent” at this stage.
Ambulance helicopter crews, intensive care and advanced life paramedics were at the scene throughout Tuesday afternoon.
Police urged anyone with information or footage to contact Crime Stoppers as investigations continue.
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