Two young children tragically lost their lives after being discovered in a car during a heatwave that has pushed temperatures above 40C in Europe.
The children, aged two and four, were found unresponsive in the family car parked in a garage in the Bois de l’Ubac neighborhood of Carpentras, France. Despite efforts by emergency responders, both children passed away.
Reports indicate that the kids entered the car without their mother’s knowledge and became trapped inside. Authorities were notified of the incident at 1:10 pm, and emergency services remain at the scene.
The Carpentras prosecutor, Hélène Mourges, mentioned that the cause of death is still under investigation, with the heatwave being the primary suspected factor.
France is currently facing a period of extreme heat, with temperatures exceeding 40C. The national weather service, Meteo France, stated that most of the country is experiencing an extended heatwave that is expected to persist until Friday.
Several towns in western and central France, including Saint-Nazaire, recorded their highest overnight temperatures on Sunday to Monday. Paris also endured its hottest June night, with temperatures not dropping below 24.2C.
Parts of France have been put on a “red alert” for heat, with temperatures forecasted to surpass 40C during the day and not fall below 20C at night. Meanwhile, the UK has issued a rare “red” weather warning for potential temperatures exceeding 37C in some areas.
The Met Office cautioned that extreme temperatures could pose health risks and lead to failures in heat-sensitive equipment like power and mobile services. Chief Meteorologist Dr. Will Lang highlighted the upcoming days’ extreme temperatures and emphasized the discomfort vulnerable groups might face due to high overnight temperatures and humidity levels.