Two children killed when a four-wheel drive rolled at a rural intersection west of Melbourne have been named as Ossama El Hawli, aged 11, and Sarah El Hawli, aged 7. The siblings were among seven children being transported home from school when the eight-seater vehicle rolled at the intersection of Nerowie Road and Parwan-Exford Road in Parwan at approximately 4.30pm on Tuesday.

Sarah died at the crash site despite the efforts of paramedics and members of the public who rushed to help. Ossama was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition but died overnight. The five remaining children were hospitalised with injuries not considered life-threatening, while the driver — a 34-year-old woman — was also taken to hospital and remains under observation.

Scene described as 'hectic' as responders rushed to help seven children

Detective Sergeant Tony Gentile, who spoke publicly about the crash, said the immediate aftermath was extraordinarily difficult for all involved.

"From my understanding, the scene was quite hectic — people everywhere, witnesses who witnessed it; they stopped and rendered assistance," he said. "Obviously, with seven children, they were distressed, and they were cared for by paramedics, members of the public and police."

Family members were seen at the scene visibly distressed in the wake of the collision. Detective Sergeant Gentile urged the broader community to take care behind the wheel. "This is just a really sad set of circumstances. We ask the public to drive to the conditions and be mindful of their surroundings," he said.

Police have since ruled out speed, alcohol and drugs as contributing factors in the crash. Investigations remain ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Community mourns siblings understood to attend Melton South school

It is understood Ossama and Sarah attended Al Iman College in Melton South, located approximately eight kilometres from where the crash occurred.

The Australian Islamic Centre released a statement expressing deep grief at the loss of the two children, describing it as a "heartbreaking loss" for the community.

"It is with profound sadness that the Australian Islamic Centre mourns the passing of Ossama El Hawli and Sarah El Hawli, two beloved young members of our community, following Tuesday's tragic accident in Parwan," the statement read. "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."

The centre said it was assisting in co-ordinating funeral and Janazah arrangements, with services scheduled for Thursday.

"We pray that Allah surrounds both children with His infinite mercy, grants them the highest ranks of Jannah, and grants their parents and loved ones immense patience, strength and comfort," the statement continued.

Investigation ongoing as police appeal for public assistance

Detectives are continuing to piece together the exact sequence of events that led to the single-vehicle rollover on the Parwan road. While speed, drugs and alcohol have been eliminated from the inquiry, the precise cause of the crash has not been formally determined.

Authorities are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who has dashcam or other relevant footage from the area around the time of the crash, to come forward by contacting Crime Stoppers.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the local community west of Melbourne, with the deaths of two young primary school-aged children prompting an outpouring of grief from community organisations and members of the public alike. The crash site at the intersection of Nerowie Road and Parwan-Exford Road remains the subject of active police investigation.