Father breaks down as toddler, who was left alone in hot car for HOURS, is found dead after cops smash window
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: A three-year-old was found dead in a hot car, shocking their family members as they broke down at the scene. The car was outside a grocery store in Glenfield, southwest of Sydney, close to Campbelltown on Thursday, February 2.
New South Wales Police confirmed the child's death after learning that authorities had to break a window to get to the toddler. The officers were told that the child had been in the car all day, although it is unclear just how long they were inside. "Officers from Campbelltown City Police Area Command were told the child had been in the vehicle throughout the day," a police spox said, per the Daily Mail.
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How did the child die?
The car's owner arrived before 3pm, and immediately called the police. According to investigators, he was believed to be acquainted with the child and was supposedly the father. After breaking in a window, paramedics found the child unresponsive, and they were pronounced dead at the scene.
People were seen sitting on the ground next to the car sobbing profusely. A man looked incolsolable as he covered his eyes and cried, as per Daily Mail. Campbelltown, near Glenfield, reportedly recorded a top of 33.9 degrees at 4.51pm.
An investigation is being conducted. A police statement read, "Around 3pm (Thursday 2 February 2023), emergency services were called to Railway Parade at Glenfield after reports a child was unresponsive. NSW Ambulance paramedics attended; however, the three-year-old died at the scene. A crime scene has been established and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is underway. A man has been taken to Campbelltown Police Station where he is assisting police."
Kidsafe rescues more than 5,000 children from hot cars every year
Kidsafe, a Child safety advocate, claimed more than 5,000 children were rescued from hot cars in Australia every year, the majority being babies and toddlers. "Leaving children unattended in a car – even for a short period of time – can be fatal," read Kidsafe's website, adding, "Children are particularly at risk because they can lose fluid quickly, become dehydrated and suffer from heatstroke."