Two cousins killed in a motorbike crash have been named as its revealed the tragedy took place during a family party on a private property.
Ali Elhouli, 17, and Zena Elhouli, 18, were riding off-road motorbikes at their uncle’s property on Beattys Rd in Grangefields, in Melbourne‘s northwest, about 6.35 pm when they crashed.
Zena, from Altona Meadows, died at the scene. Ali, from Hoppers Crossing, was rushed to hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
Two young boys, aged 11 and 6, were also rushed to hospital in critical conditions but are now stable. It is understood they have several broken bones.
Zena’s father, also called Ali, 43, heard the crash and rode to the scene on a quad bike.
It’s understood he lost control of the bike as he got close to the incident and was also injured.
Ali Elhouli, 17, (pictured) was killed in a bike accident at a family Father’s Day party on Sunday night
It’s understood the two bikes were being ridden on a private property before the incident. A man, 43, rode to the scene of the crash on a quad bike but was also injured when he lost control of the vehicle
He was also taken to hospital, but his injuries are not life-threatening.
Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Lineham told Radio 3AW there was a Father’s Day party being held at the property at the time of the crash.
He said the Major Collision Investigation Unit is probing the accident and exact circumstances surrounding the collision are yet to be established, but police are aware the bikes were unregistered.
‘The family – members at the party – they’re being uncooperative with police so inquiries are continuing but we’re asking for anyone to come forward.
‘We don’t know how the two children were injured.
‘It’s incredibly hard for police to do their job when people won’t provide the details.’
The owner of the property and uncle of the teens killed, Omar El Houli, told reporters the loss was ‘heartbreaking’.
‘We were driving down (the road) and we got out.
‘My niece was on the floor dead and my nephew was also on the ground.
‘I wanted to see who they were, it was my farm. I saw the motorbikes, I saw them, they were on the ground.
‘I couldn’t imagine anything worse than what happened.’
Zena Elhouli is pictured in October 2022, when she passed her provisional license test
Omar El Houli said his nephew (pictured) and niece were ‘good kids’
Helmet parts were seen scattered by the roadside on Sunday night as officers investigated the crash
Mr El Houli said the teenagers were family-oriented and loved spending time with their relatives.
‘They loved just being happy, they loved being all together, they just enjoyed life,’ he said.
‘They’re beautiful kids with beautiful parents, it’s unfortunate what happened.
‘They’re in heaven looking down on us now.’
Meanwhile, tributes have begun to flow online for the teenagers’ whose lives were tragically cut short.
‘Love you Zena Houli,’ one friend wrote.
‘Forever 18 beautiful girl.’
‘Fly high my angel.’
Jaz Haddara said she was so shocked by the news she has been lost for words.
Police have wrapped up initial investigations into the crash and reopened Beattys Rd on Monday morning
‘Sending my condolences to Zena Houli who went to school with my son,’ she said.
‘Such a good girl. Thoughts to the family.’
Another friend said: ‘Rest in peace now Ali.’
‘I love you forever.’
Police reopened Beattys Rd on Monday morning after wrapping up initial investigations into the crash.
Officers are appealing to any witnesses who may have captured footage of the incident.
Any witnesses or anyone with dashcam, CCTV footage, or information about the crash must contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.