A five-year-old girl has died after being left inside a hot car for several hours during a 37C heatwave, police have confirmed.
The young girl was left inside her family's vehicle from the time she returned home from school until approximately 8.20pm on Tuesday (August 18). She was pronounced dead at hospital after police and fire crews responded to the scene.
Circumstances of the incident
Authorities in Garland, Texas, believe adults at the property on Redbird Drive were unaware the child was inside the car for several hours. After realising the girl was missing, they found her unresponsive inside the vehicle, began CPR and contacted emergency services at 8.20pm.
A Garland Police Department spokesperson said: "First responders quickly arrived and continued lifesaving measures that family members had already begun. The child was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased."
Officers began investigating the circumstances leading up to the child being located and learned that an adult family member had returned home from school with the five-year-old female child and the child's sibling. The five-year-old was left inside the vehicle.
Heatwave conditions
Meteorological data recorded temperatures of 37C (100F) on Tuesday afternoon, with an excess heat warning in place across the northern part of the state at the time. Authorities urged Texans to restrict outdoor activity during the peak heat of the day, look in on vulnerable neighbours, and keep themselves hydrated. Forecasts indicate temperatures will remain above 36C for several days ahead.
The spokesperson added: "After realising the five-year-old was missing, family members began searching for her and located her unresponsive inside the vehicle. Family members immediately began CPR and called 9-1-1 for assistance."
Ongoing investigation
Detectives are continuing to investigate the child's death, though no arrests or charges have been made at this stage. The spokesperson added: "The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child's death remains active. At this time, no charges have been filed as investigators continue working to determine the complete sequence of events leading up to this tragic incident."
"As part of our standard procedures following a traumatic incident, community counseling services will be offered to the family."
