An 18-month-old baby has died after being found unconscious in a car in Marseille, France, during a heatwave that saw temperatures reach 33°C. The infant is the fourth child to die in a hot car this week, according to reports.
Incident Details
The baby was discovered in a car parked at the Aix-Marseille University medical campus on Monday, June 22, but the tragedy was only reported today. The child was suffering from hyperthermia and was rushed to La Timone hospital in critical condition, but medical staff were unable to save his life.
Context and Warnings
This incident adds to a series of similar tragedies in France this week, with authorities warning parents never to leave children unattended in vehicles, especially during hot weather. The interior of a car can heat up rapidly, even with windows cracked open, leading to fatal heatstroke within minutes.
According to local officials, the baby was reportedly 'forgotten' by a parent. The exact circumstances leading to the incident are under investigation.
Safety Reminders
Experts urge caregivers to always check the back seat before locking a car and to keep vehicles locked when not in use to prevent children from entering unsupervised. In France, leaving a child alone in a car is illegal and can result in severe penalties.
