A criminal investigation has been launched in France after a six-year-old boy allegedly killed a newborn baby at a hospital in Lille. The incident occurred at the Jeanne-de-Flandre Children's Hospital, where the baby, identified as Zayneb-Cassandra, was declared dead on Tuesday after suffering a traumatic brain injury.
The baby, born prematurely at 7.5 months via caesarean section earlier this month, was allegedly dropped on the floor by the boy, who reportedly treated her like a doll. According to an investigating source, the boy was found alone with the unconscious baby in a neonatal unit, despite being reported as a disruptive presence in the hospital.
The boy, the son of another mother in the maternity ward, had been seen wandering the hospital unattended. Zayneb-Cassandra's grandmother told local media that the boy would arrive at 7am and spend all day running through hallways, entering other patients' rooms. She said a nurse had warned the boy's mother about his behaviour.
On the day of the incident, Zayneb's mother was signing discharge papers when she received a call from a ward manager. The family was told that a little boy had been playing with the baby, who had fallen. Another mother reported hearing a loud bang as the baby's head hit the floor. The boy allegedly tried to grab the baby by her nappy, causing her to fall on her head.
Zayneb was rushed to intensive care but died on Tuesday from a severe brain injury. The Lille Judicial Police Service, in conjunction with local prosecutors, has opened an investigation. The hospital has also launched an internal administrative inquiry, with a spokesman expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy.
