A mother and her six-year-old son have tragically drowned in Dandenong Creek in Melbourne’s south-east after the boy fell from his scooter into the swollen water.
Fariba Hussainzada, 33, and her son Farzad were on Allan Street, Dandenong, on Monday afternoon when the young boy lost control of his scooter at the bridge and plunged into the fast-flowing creek. Ms Hussainzada immediately jumped in to try to save him, but both were swept away by the strong current.
Emergency services arrived quickly and performed CPR at the scene, but neither mother nor child could be revived. They are survived by Ms Hussainzada’s husband, Hamid, and the couple’s two younger children, aged four and one.
The pair’s deaths have left the local community and their extended family devastated. “She was a strong and caring mother who sacrificed everything for her children,” cousin Saleha Hussainzada said.
“Her love and devotion inspired everyone around her.”
Doveton College, where Farzad attended, offered condolences and wellbeing support for students and staff affected by the tragedy. The Victorian Afghan Associations Network and local authorities also expressed support for the grieving family.
Residents described the scene as “gut-wrenching” as emergency services struggled to save the pair, while others called for greater water safety awareness, particularly after heavy rain. Greater Dandenong Mayor Jim Memeti and local MPs extended their sympathies, praising the efforts of first responders who attended the incident.
Victoria Police confirmed a report will be prepared for the coroner, and anyone who witnessed the incident has been urged to contact CrimeStoppers.
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