Friends and community members of the grieving parents whose children were killed in a tragic car crash in Truganina, have started a fundraiser to support them financially. A GoFundMe page has already collected more than $10,000 after just a few days.
“We just wanted to provide any help we could as a community to the family who met with the accident to show the community spirit,” says Robin Yarham, the organizer of the GoFundMe page to SBS Malayalam.
George Panicker and family are members of St Mary’s Indian Orthodox Church in Coburg. The church is also providing support to the devastated family in this critical situation.
Fund raiser page set up for Panicker family Source: GoFundMe
“We are providing mental and spiritual support to the family. The church is holding prayers often. We are also visiting the hospital on a daily basis to give mental support to George,” says George Varghese, Secretary of the St Mary’s Indian Orthodox Church.
“Church will also make arrangements for the public viewing and funeral of the children at a time when it is decided,” adds George Varghese.
'Sorrow to all of us'
The Royal Melbourne hospital has released a statement on behalf of the family.
“As most of you may already know, how the tragic car accident in Truganina on last Saturday 7th July 2018, in which George Panicker and his family were involved, brought sorrow to all of us. The late evening tragedy sent most of us into shock, disbelief and made us wonder how cruel the fate can sometimes be.
"The unfortunate accident devastated the happy family and stole the lives of loving kids Ruana (10yrs) and Immanuel (4yrs). George sustained a minor injury and his wife Manju is recovering in the intensive care unit. Its unsure how much support, prayers and consideration his family needs to get through this troubled times.
“We have already had numerous calls and texts from friends and acquaintances asking how they can be of any help in supporting the affected family from getting through these sad times. Let’s show some empathy towards the struggle and isolation George has to face while he tries to fill the vacuum left by the departure of his loved ones."
“We acknowledge the needs to be pragmatic about the whole situation and if we all can come together and give him one less thing to worry about would be a great step. For this cause, a separate bank account is set up in George.”
“We believe, a small act of generosity might go a long way and may support them in transforming the pain, sorrow and tears into new hope.
"Finally, do remember them in your prayers and be gentle and caring while welcoming them to the normal way of life.”
10-year-old Ruana and her four-year-old brother Immanuel were returning from a birthday party along with their parents, George Panicker and Manju Varghese when the Ford Focus in which they were travelling collided with a Ford Territory at Hopkins Road in Truganina. Ruana died at the scene while Immanuel who was admitted in Royal Children's Hospital in critical condition succumbed to his injuries after a few days.
Source: News Corp Australia
George who had minor injuries has been discharged from hospital. However Manju still remains in a serious condition at the Royal Melbourne hospital.
A 41-year-old Rockbank man Damien Tiahaiere Rakatau has been charged following the incident. He was charged with negligence causing serious injury and two counts of culpable driving. He remains in custody in hospital ward. He is due to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court in November.
