A manslaughter investigation has been opened following the deaths of two young children discovered in a car in Carpentras, France, amid a severe heatwave that has pushed temperatures beyond 40°C across Europe. The children, aged two and four, were found unresponsive in the family vehicle parked inside a garage of a detached home in the Bois de l'Ubac district.
Details of the Incident
Emergency services were alerted at 1:10 pm on June 22, 2026, to the property belonging to the children's grandmother. Despite resuscitation attempts, both children died at the scene. Initial reports suggested the youngsters had climbed into the car without their 33-year-old mother's knowledge and became trapped. However, a police source later told Le Parisien that the mother claimed to have "forgotten her children" while shopping, and she gave several conflicting versions of events, according to a source close to the investigation speaking to AFP.
Prosecutor Statement and Investigation
Carpentras prosecutor Hélène Mourges confirmed that a manslaughter probe has been launched. She stated: "The cause of death is still under investigation, but the heatwave is the leading theory." The children "allegedly locked themselves" inside the vehicle, investigators initially believed, but the mother's inconsistent accounts have led to further scrutiny. Preliminary forensic findings have been submitted, and enquiries continue. "Given her condition, no interview has been possible at this time," Mourges added.
Heatwave Conditions Across France
France is experiencing an extreme heatwave, with Meteo France issuing red warnings for 54 departments, roughly half the nation. The meteorological authority reported: "Sunshine continues to dominate across France, maintaining oppressive and exhausting heat throughout the country." Daytime peaks are exceeding 40°C in many towns, and the brutal conditions are expected to persist until at least the end of the week. "Further record-breaking temperatures are expected, including some that could surpass all previous records, regardless of the time of year," Meteo France warned. The heatwave is exceptionally severe for early summer, with uncertain duration.
Impact on Daily Life
With air-conditioning uncommon in France, schools, rail services, and sporting events face disruptions. Approximately 20 drowning fatalities have been recorded since the weekend. Comparisons are being drawn to the devastating August 2003 heatwave, which caused an estimated 15,000 deaths, mostly among the elderly in flats and care homes lacking air conditioning.
UK Heatwave Warnings
In the UK, the Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning for June 24-25, predicting temperatures could exceed 37°C in the shade and potentially reach 40°C in parts of England and Wales. The extreme heat poses health risks and could cause equipment malfunctions, affecting power supplies and mobile networks. Dr. Will Lang, chief meteorologist, said: "We are forecasting extreme temperatures in the next few days, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday, when it looks like we'll be seeing maximum temperatures into the high 30s. But also we are stressing very high overnight temperatures which will be very uncomfortable for vulnerable groups, and very humid conditions as well."
