An 18-month-old baby died after being forgotten in a hot car in Marseille, France, during an intense heatwave, marking the fourth child death in such incidents in just days. Temperatures in the region reached up to 33C.
Incident in Marseille
The child was discovered unconscious and suffering from hyperthermia in the parking lot of the Aix-Marseille University medical campus on Tuesday, June 23. Firefighters transported the baby to La Timone Hospital in critical condition, but medical staff were unable to save the infant's life.
According to French publication BFM, one of the child's parents, who reportedly works at the campus, apparently forgot the baby in the car. Éric Berton, President of Aix-Marseille University, expressed his "deep sadness" over the tragedy.
"It is with deep sadness that we learned of the tragic news that occurred on the Timone campus. We extend our sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim. We also express our support to all those who witnessed or were affected by this tragic event," Berton said.
Other Fatal Incidents
This incident is the fourth child death in three separate events across France this week. In Carpentras, two children were found dead in a hot car after their mother reportedly forgot them while shopping. The vehicle was parked in the garage of a detached house in the Bois de l'Ubac area. Emergency services attempted resuscitation, but both children died. A manslaughter investigation has been launched, and a police source told Le Parisien that the mother claimed to have forgotten her children.
In another tragedy, a three-year-old boy was found dead by his parents on Wednesday, June 24, in Saint-Gratien, Val-d'Oise. The child was discovered in cardiac arrest in the family vehicle after telling his parents he was going for a nap in his room. Both parents thought he was in his room until they realized he was missing. Approximately 45 minutes later, they found him in the boiling car. The mother's scream alerted a passing bus driver, who stopped and performed CPR until emergency services arrived. Police are investigating how the boy got into the car.
Heatwave Impact
The heatwave in France has seen temperatures soar to 33C, contributing to the dangerous conditions inside vehicles. Experts warn that temperatures inside a car can quickly become lethal, especially for young children. Authorities urge parents to never leave children unattended in vehicles, even for short periods.
