Two children, 2 and 4, die in car in southern France during heatwave, prosecutor suspects heatstroke
Two children aged 2 and 4 were found dead inside the family car in Carpentras, southern France, on Monday afternoon. The prosecutor said heatstroke is the likely cause during a heatwave with temperatures reaching 38°C.
The incident
The two children were found unresponsive in the vehicle at around 1:10 p.m. local time on Monday, June 22, in the garage of their home. According to a police source cited by Franceinfo, the siblings entered the car after their mother returned from shopping and locked themselves inside. The mother realized too late. Emergency services remained at the scene in the afternoon.
The causes of death have yet to be determined but the heatwave theory is favored.
Heatwave in southern France
The Vaucluse region was experiencing a heatwave with temperatures up to 38°C. The extreme heat is dangerous for vulnerable people, particularly young children, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions.
- French Ministry of Health activates 'Canicule info service' hotline amid heatwave
- Two children found dead in locked car in Carpentras
Official health response
The French Ministry of Health, Families, Autonomy and Disabled Persons activated the "Canicule info service" hotline on June 18. The number, 0800 06 66 66, is available from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for non-emergency heat-related advice. The ministry also recommends calling a doctor or checking local care options on santé.fr, and dialing 15 in case of doubt.
