A devastating family tragedy has unfolded in the French port city of La Rochelle, where a newborn baby boy has died after being thrown from a fourth-floor window by his five-year-old sister.
The horrific incident occurred on Monday afternoon, sending shockwaves through the community and leaving investigators grappling with the heartbreaking circumstances.
Unfolding Tragedy in a French Apartment
According to local prosecutors, the catastrophic events began when the children's mother briefly left the room where her two young children were together. In those fateful moments, the five-year-old girl picked up her three-week-old brother and somehow managed to push him through an open window.
The infant fell approximately 12 metres from the fourth-floor apartment onto the concrete below, sustaining catastrophic injuries despite emergency services' rapid response.
Desperate Rescue Efforts
Emergency teams rushed to the scene following distress calls from neighbours who witnessed the unimaginable event. Paramedics fought desperately to save the newborn's life, performing emergency resuscitation procedures at the scene.
The baby was immediately transported to La Rochelle Hospital, where medical teams continued life-saving efforts. Tragically, the infant succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Psychological Support for Young Survivor
The five-year-old girl, now at the centre of this tragedy, is receiving urgent psychological support. Authorities have confirmed that she is too young to understand the legal consequences of her actions and will not face criminal charges.
French child protection services have become involved in the case, focusing on providing appropriate care and trauma support for the young girl who now must live with the unintended consequences of her actions.
Community in Mourning
The quiet neighbourhood in La Rochelle has been left reeling by the incident, with local residents expressing their shock and offering support to the grieving family.
One neighbour told local media: "We heard the screams and then saw the terrible scene unfold. It's every parent's worst nightmare - a moment of inattention leading to irreversible tragedy."
French authorities continue their investigation into the exact circumstances surrounding the infant's death, while the family receives support from victim services during this unimaginable time.
