Dad loses daughter, 10 and son, 4, killed in horror crash as wife fights for life

A MAN has been charged over a horror smash in Melbourne’s west that tragically left a father without his two children and his wife on life support in hospital.

A MAN has been charged over a horror smash that killed two children and left their mother on life support.

The 41-year-old Rockbank man faces two counts of culpable driving and negligence causing serious injury over the crash at Truganina, in Melbourne’s west.

He suffered non-life threatening injuries and remains in hospital, but police will attend the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court tonight to make a remand application.

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Ruana George, 10, and her brother Immanuel, 4, from St Albans died after their parents’ car was hit head-on by a Ford Territory as it overtook another car on Hopkins Rd.

Ruana died at the scene on Saturday.

Doctors at the Royal Children’s Hospital battled to save her younger brother, affectionately known as “Manu”, police confirmed on Monday that the small boy had also lost his life.

Their father, George Panicker, was also injured but is recovering in hospital while their mother Manju George — a nurse — remains in a critical condition.

Immanuel George, 4, with father George Panicker and sister Ruana George, 10.

Broken family: George Panicker with son Immanuel, and Ruana and wife Manju.

Parents are rallying around the young friends of Ruana and Manu, while their father remains in hospital at their mother’s bedside.

The Malayalam-speaking community and friends of the family will gather tonight at a vigil in Coburg.

Ruana has been remembered as a vibrant girl who loved to dance.

The scene of a the crash in Truganina. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Her dance instructor Christina Prakanthan said she was a “gorgeous” student, whose parents had been beaming with pride after seeing her perform.

“I remember after one dance the parents were really touched — their eyes were full of tears,” she said.

“They were so thankful, happy and proud … that memory is clear in my mind.

“The parents are really nice people … I don’t know why this should happen to them.”

Ms Prakanthan said Ruana had many friends in her Bharathanatyam (Indian dance style) class since beginning lessons almost three years ago.

A note Ruana wrote in dance class recently. Picture: Supplied

“Her dad used to come and drop her off and he would come in with their younger boy,” she said.

“Opposite the dance class there is a lovely lake and the boy would play with his dad.”

Ms Prakanthan wrote in a tribute.

“Cannot believe this. May the little angel’s soul RIP.”

Another member of the Indian dance community in Melbourne’s west said the tragedy was shocking.

A 10-year-old girl died at the scene. Picture: Patrick Herve

“It was so heartbreaking, she was so small,” he said.

“She didn’t even live her life yet, she just started.”

Leaders from St Mary’s Indian Orthodox Cathedral — where the family attended — said the congregation would be praying for the family.

Hundreds are expected to gather in prayer at the church tonight, while extended family are expected to travel from India to Melbourne.

The force of the crash sent the vehicles involved flying off the road, with debris sprayed more than 50 metres.

Five people inside the Honda SUV, which was also hit by the Territory, were not injured.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at crimestoppersvic.com.au

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