Seven-year-old Sarah El Hawli and Ossama El Hawli, 11, died hours apart following the crash at Parwan, west of Melbourne, shortly before 4pm on Tuesday.
The pair, along with five other children were travelling west on Nerowie Road on the city’s western fringe when the eight-seater car “inexplicably rolled”.
A 34-year-old woman, who has since been released from hospital, had just picked up the children from Al Iman College in Melton when the tragedy struck.
The surviving children, including a toddler, were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
An Al Iman College spokesman said the school was “deeply saddened” by the deaths.
“Sarah was a cherished member of Al Iman College, and this tragedy has deeply affected her classmates, friends, teachers and our wider school community,” the spokesperson said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Sarah and Ossama’s families and all those affected by this devastating tragedy.
“We also continue to pray for the full recovery of the children who were injured.”
The school had been supporting students, families and staff and counselling and wellbeing support has been made available.
The loss of Sarah and Ossama had “deeply affected” the community, the Australian Islamic Centre said on Wednesday.
“Our hearts are with their parents, family and loved ones as they face an unimaginable loss,” a statement said.
“Our immediate focus is supporting the family through this incredibly difficult time.”
Both children were farewelled at Newport Mosque on Thursday, where hundreds of mourners gathered to pay their respects.
Detectives on Friday issued a fresh plea for dashcam footage between 4-4.30pm, regardless of whether or not they witnessed the crash.
“This is a devastating incident, and our priority is to piece together what has happened in the lead up and caused this tragedy,” Detective Sergeant Tony Gentile said.
“Irrespective of whether motorists witnessed the crash or travelled through the area before or after it occurred, we want to hear from anyone – any piece of information could be invaluable.
“Establishing the circumstances that led to the deaths of these two children remains paramount to myself and most importantly, the families.”
The crash occurred not far from an intersection in Eynesbury where another horror crash occurred in May 2023.
About 45 students were on a bus when a truck crashed into the back of it, leaving eight children with life-threatening injuries.
Two students needed to have arms and hands amputated.
The driver of the truck was cleared by a jury of all charges over the crash in the County Court in 2025.
AAP
