Grangefields, Melbourne dirt bike accident: Tragic cousins Ali Elhouli, 17, and Zena, 18, have been given a big farewell
Two cousins who died in a tragic dirt bike accident during a Father’s Day party at their uncle’s house were greeted by more than a thousand mourners.
Ali Elhouli, 17, and Zena Houli, 18, died around 6.35pm Sunday after an off-road motorcycle accident at their family’s property on Beattys Road in Grangefields, north-west Melbourne.
Mourners flocked to the Australian Islamic Center in Newport, west of Melbourne, to pay their respects to the teenagers.
Zena’s injured father, Ali Elhouli, 43, was rolled into ministry for his daughter and nephew
Fatima Elhouli is pictured with her 17-year-old brother Ali, who died in a dirt bike accident in Grangefields, west Melbourne, on Sunday night
18-year-old cousin Zena Houli (pictured) was also involved in the accident and tragically died at the scene
At one point, Mr. Elhouli, who had a white blanket on his knees, covered his face with a hand
Two women hugged in a car park on Thursday before entering the Australian Islamic Centre
Two women sat on a nearby bench before the memorial service for Ali, 17, and Zena, 18, began
Mourners bid farewell to Ali Elhouli, 17, and Zena Houli, 18, during a service in Newport
The ages of the mourners ranged from the very young to the elderly – some wore traditional Muslim robes.
The couple were buried on the highway in Werribee, near where he was born.
An uncle of the couple said the family was deeply traumatized by the loss of loved ones.
Police say they are still working to determine the cause of the accident as the family had been “uncooperative” but investigators have determined the bikes were unregistered.
Family members shared Monday how Altona Meadows native Zena died almost instantly – and family members rushed to the scene after hearing about the accident.
Ali, from Hoppers Crossing, was taken to hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
Two boys aged 11 and 6 were also involved in the accident.
They were hospitalized in critical condition but are now stable. They are believed to have each suffered multiple broken bones.
Zena’s father, also known as Ali, 43, was injured trying to reach the teenagers on a quad bike.
It is understood he lost control of the bike as he approached the incident and was also injured.
He was also taken to the hospital, but his injuries are not life-threatening.
Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Lineham told Radio 3AW that a Father’s Day party was being held at the property at the time of the accident.
A woman dragged on a cigarette before the service began Thursday
A group of women in traditional Muslim dress were seen entering the service
Mourners flock to the Australian Islamic Center in Newport to say goodbye to the two cousins
Mourners gathered outside Newport Mosque to say goodbye to the couple after they died on Sunday
Hundreds of mourners came to say goodbye to the teenagers
More than a thousand mourners attended the funeral
He said the Major Collision Investigation Unit was investigating the accident and the exact circumstances of the collision have yet to be determined, but police knew the bikes were unregistered.
“The family – members of the party – are not co-operative with the police so the investigation is ongoing but we are asking everyone to come forward.”
“We do not know how the two children were injured.”
“It’s incredibly difficult for the police to do their job if people don’t give details.”
Sgt Lineham urged any witnesses to the accident to contact police.
“We are appealing to the family to come forward, regardless of what they think of the police,” he said.
The owner of the property and uncle of the killed teenagers, Omar El Houli, told reporters the loss was “heartbreaking”.
“We drove down (the street) and got out.”
It is understood the two bicycles were being ridden on private property prior to the incident. A 43-year-old man was driving a quad bike to the scene of the accident but was also injured when he lost control of the vehicle
Omar El Houli (pictured) said his nephew and niece are ‘good kids’
Zena Elhouli is pictured in October 2022 as she passed her preliminary driving test
The honors for the two teenagers are piling up on the Internet. Pictured: Ali Elhouli (left)
When officers were investigating the accident, helmet parts were seen scattered by the roadside on Sunday evening
“My niece was dead on the floor and my nephew was also on the floor.”
“I wanted to see who they were, it was my farm.” I saw the bikes, I saw them, they were down.
“I couldn’t think of anything worse than what happened.”
Mr El Houli said the teenagers are family-oriented and love spending time with their relatives.
“They loved just being happy, they loved being all together, they just enjoyed life,” he said.
“They are beautiful children with wonderful parents, it is unfortunate what happened.”
“They are in heaven now, looking down on us.”
Tributes are now being circulated online for the teenagers whose lives were tragically cut short.
“I love you Zena Houli,” wrote a friend.
“Forever 18 beautiful girl.”
“Fly high, my angel.”
Jaz Haddara said she was so shocked by the news that she was at a loss for words.
Police have completed the initial investigation into the accident and reopened Beattys Road on Monday morning
“I send my condolences to Zena Houli who went to school with my son,” she said.
‘Such a good girl. Thoughts of family.’
Another friend said: “Rest in peace now Ali.”
‘I love you forever.’
Anyone with a dashcam, CCTV footage or information about the accident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.