In a heartrending incident in South Minneapolis on a recent Friday night, five close-knit young women lost their lives. Their car was struck by another vehicle, whose driver was reportedly speeding.
The group of friends were together that night, busy with preparations for a wedding the following day.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara explained that a state trooper had noticed a fast-moving vehicle on the interstate around 10:15 p.m. However, the driver managed to exit the highway before the trooper could intervene. It was then that the driver ran a red light and collided with the women’s car at a city intersection.
Dar Al Farooq Center Mosque Director Khalid Omar expressed his sorrow, describing the victims as bright stars in their community. Omar stated that he had never witnessed such a tragic incident, in which five young lives were extinguished at once.
The driver of the offending vehicle tried to escape but was eventually apprehended by the police. Authorities suspect the driver might have been driving under the influence.
The victims were identified by the Dar Al Farooq Islamic Center as Sabiriin Ali, Sahra Gesaade, Salma Abdikadir, Sagal Hersi, and Siham Adam. To support their grieving families, the center has initiated a fundraiser.
The young women had promising futures ahead. Ali, aged 17, had recently completed her studies at Edina High School and had plans to join the University of Minnesota. Gesaade, 20 years old, was preparing for her junior year at the University of Minnesota Rochester. Abdikadir, also 20, was a student at Normandale College. Adam and Hersi, both 19, attended the University of Minnesota and Minneapolis College.
A humble memorial was created at the crash site the following day. Omar emphasized the enormity of their loss, saying that it is challenging to comprehend the sudden death of five young individuals.
City Councilmember Jamal Osman expressed his frustration and sadness over the incident, particularly at the attempted escape by the driver, who survived the crash. Osman called for justice for the young women who had their futures cruelly snatched away.
The identity of the driver responsible for the fatal crash is yet to be released. The police are still investigating the incident.