The victims of a fatal car crash on Halloween have been identified as two 21-year-old students enrolled at York University.
Atena Arabsalmany and her friend Nilou Khanverdizaheh were killed Friday night at around 10:30 p.m. after the Mazda they were in collided with a Jeep Liberty in Richmond Hill.
Seconds after the car was hit, the Mazda burst into flames, trapping three women inside. The driver of the car, who has not been identified by police, was pulled out by passing motorists and five York Regional police officers. She is at Sunnybrook Hospital in critical condition.
The other two women were not rescued in time and died at the scene.
The women were driving along Bayview Avenue near 16th Avenue when the accident occurred. They were on their way to pick up a fourth woman.
Family and friends gathered at the scene to place flowers and light candles in memory of the two women.
"You guys were angels from heaven," says one note. "God called you back."
Arabsalmany's brother Ali and father Mohammed told CTV Toronto his sister was a third-year engineering student who dreamed of becoming an astronaut.
"She was beautiful," said Ali Arabsalmany. "She's the best sister I ever had in my life."
Khanverdizaheh was remembered as a great person with an infectious laugh. She had many close friends.
"It's unbelievable, everyone's in shock," said one of her friends who came to place a note at the scene. "No one can believe how this could have happened."
Police are still investigating the crash and are asking any witnesses to call authorities with information. They are particularly looking to speak with the driver of a gold or tan Toyota Corolla travelling south on Bayview at the time the accident occurred. Officers say he may have witnessed the incident.
Investigators are looking into whether speed or alcohol were factors in the crash.
With a report from CTV Toronto's John Musselman
