A three-year-old boy died after becoming trapped in a family car during France's hottest day on record, as temperatures soared to 43C. The child managed to get into the vehicle but could not escape due to the child lock, according to public prosecutor Guirec Le Bras.
Circumstances of the Tragedy
The boy's father was working in the garden shed and believed his son was sleeping. Meanwhile, the mother was napping with their 18-month-old child. Le Bras told French media: "He apparently shut himself in and became trapped in the vehicle before being found unconscious by his parents." The mother remains in hospital in a state of shock.
Record-Breaking Heatwave
The incident occurred as a deadly heatwave swept across Europe. Paris hit a June record of 40.9C on Wednesday, the first time in 150 years the city has exceeded 40C. Highs ranged from 39C to 43C across western France, with 44.3C recorded in Pissos.
Official Responses
Paris mayor Emmanuel Gregoire said the heatwave disrupted power supplies and closed schools and cultural landmarks. He warned: "The profile of people currently facing health risks is not necessarily what one might expect – that is, the most vulnerable, because they are closely monitored and well informed. Rather, it’s people aged between 50 and 70 who are generally in good health, but who think this is just a normal period and continue going about their usual activities as if nothing has changed. Really, protect yourselves."
Heat-Related Deaths
The exact number of heat-related deaths in France is not yet known, but authorities reported earlier that 48 people had died from drowning alone. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu activated the highest level of health services mobilisation, allowing non-urgent operations to be cancelled to focus on weather-related emergencies.
UK Heatwave
In the UK, Thursday became the hottest June day on record with a provisional temperature of 36.4C in Yeovilton, Somerset, surpassing the 36.1C recorded on Wednesday in Gosport, Hampshire. The previous record was 35.6C set in 1957 and equalled in 1976. The Met Office extended its red warning for extreme heat through Friday, marking the first time red heat warnings have remained in force for three consecutive days.
