Following a tragic incident in Carpentras, France, two young children, aged two and four, were discovered unresponsive in a family car parked in a garage during a severe heatwave in Europe, with temperatures reaching 40C.
An autopsy revealed that the children died from dehydration, according to Hélène Mourges, the public prosecutor. The authorities have initiated a manslaughter investigation into the incident.
Initial reports suggest that the children may have entered the car unnoticed by their 33-year-old mother and subsequently became trapped. The mother allegedly claimed to have forgotten about her children while out shopping, providing conflicting accounts of the events.
Neighbors expressed shock and sorrow over the tragic loss, emphasizing the vibrant nature of the children who were known for their joy and playfulness in the community.
The incident, which occurred at the children’s grandmother’s property, was reported to the police at 1:10 pm. Authorities believe that the extreme heatwave conditions played a significant role in the tragic outcome.
The ongoing heatwave in France has led to challenging conditions, with Meteo France issuing red heatwave alerts for numerous regions. The country continues to grapple with high temperatures, impacting various aspects of daily life and resulting in multiple drowning incidents.
Meteo France forecasts persistently hot weather across the country, with temperatures expected to remain above 40C in many areas throughout the week, posing challenges for residents and authorities alike.