Two young children, aged two and four, have died after being discovered unresponsive in a 'very hot car' parked inside the garage of their family home in Carpentras, France, according to local prosecutor Hélène Mourges. The incident occurred during a severe heatwave, with temperatures expected to exceed 40C (104F) in several regions.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Emergency services, including police, paramedics, and firefighters, were called to the Bois de l'Ubac neighbourhood at around 1:10pm on June 22. Despite resuscitation attempts, both children suffered cardiac arrests and died at the scene. Prosecutor Mourges stated: 'The causes of death are still under investigation, but the heatwave is the leading theory.'
Mother Unaware of Children's Actions
According to La Provence, the children were reportedly trapped inside the vehicle. The 33-year-old mother, who was at home, was unaware that the children had entered the car. A police source told Le Figaro that the mother had just returned from a shopping trip with the children and is believed to have let them out of the vehicle. She has not yet been questioned and is receiving support from officers.
Heatwave Impact Across France
France is experiencing a severe heatwave, with Météo-France placing several departments on red alert. The tragedy follows the deaths of three elderly residents in Gironde on June 21. Approximately 845 schools have been closed due to the extreme heat. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the children's deaths.
