A manslaughter investigation has been launched in Carpentras, France, after two children aged two and four were found dead in a car during a 40C heatwave. Their mother reportedly claimed to have forgotten them while shopping, according to a police source cited by Le Parisien. The investigation remains ongoing and no charges have been filed.
Incident Details
The children were discovered unresponsive in the family vehicle, which had been left in the garage of a detached home in the Bois de l'Ubac area of Carpentras. Despite attempts by paramedics to resuscitate them, both children perished. Initial reports suggested the children had climbed into the car without their 33-year-old mother's knowledge, becoming trapped inside.
A police source has now informed Le Parisien that the mother stated she had "forgotten her children" while out shopping. According to a source close to the probe speaking to AFP, she provided multiple conflicting accounts of what happened.
Investigation and Official Statements
Officers were notified at 1:10 pm on June 22 about the incident at the residence belonging to the children's grandmother. The prosecutor of Carpentras, Hélène Mourges, informed local outlets: "The cause of death is still under investigation, but the heatwave is the leading theory." She indicated the two children "allegedly locked themselves" inside the vehicle, with the belief being they climbed into the car without their mother's awareness. Nevertheless, a manslaughter probe has been initiated.
Preliminary examinations have been conducted by forensic experts and the investigation continues, Ms Mourges confirmed. "Given her condition, no interview has been possible at this time," the public prosecutor confirmed.
Heatwave Conditions Across France
Millions across France awoke drenched in perspiration on Tuesday following another sweltering night, with the majority of the population experiencing extreme and exceptional heat levels. The relentless heat is set to continue around the clock, with the national weather service, Meteo France, issuing a red heatwave warning for 54 departments—roughly half the nation.
In a country where air-conditioning remains relatively uncommon, schools, trains and sporting fixtures continue to face disruption, while approximately 20 drowning fatalities have been recorded since the weekend.
"Sunshine continues to dominate across France, maintaining oppressive and exhausting heat throughout the country," Meteo France reported. The severe conditions are anticipated to persist at least until week's end, with daytime peaks exceeding 40C in numerous towns. "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 remarkably intense for this early stage of summer, "but with a still uncertain duration," the forecaster noted.
Comparisons to 2003 Heatwave and UK Warnings
Comparisons have already been drawn to the August 2003 heatwave, when the highest temperatures recorded in over half a century resulted in an estimated 15,000 fatalities, many amongst elderly residents in flats and care homes lacking air conditioning. In the UK, the Met Office has issued an uncommon "red" weather warning covering Wednesday and Thursday. The forecaster warned that temperatures could surpass 37C in the shade, potentially reaching 40C across parts of England and Wales.
The Met Office cautioned that alongside the significant health risks, the extreme heat could cause heat-sensitive infrastructure to malfunction, including power supplies and mobile phone networks.
Dr Will Lang, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, warned: "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." He added: "But also we are stressing very high overnight temperatures which will be very uncomfortable for vulnerable groups, and very humid conditions as well."
