Twin baby sisters, aged 15 months, were tragically discovered deceased due to dehydration in their beds, prompting an investigation by French authorities. The parents found the infants unresponsive, leading to a call to emergency services. Additionally, four other children, aged three to six, were also suffering from dehydration, with one child requiring airlifting to a hospital for treatment.
The distressing incident took place in Beuvrages, near Valenciennes, where the parents are currently being held in police custody. Neighbors mentioned that the family had recently moved to the area and had maintained a low profile since their arrival. Notably, they had no prior involvement with social services.
The public prosecutor of Valenciennes stated that the twins were discovered lifeless in their beds by emergency responders. An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday to determine the exact cause of death, focusing on the potential role of dehydration exacerbated by high room temperatures.
France experienced a significant spike in deaths during a recent heatwave, with over 1,000 additional fatalities reported in just three days. The country’s public health agency highlighted the urgency for enhanced measures to safeguard citizens in the face of escalating temperatures, emphasizing that a majority of the deceased were elderly individuals over 65 years old.