A 2-year-old child died in the backseat of a hot car in Hallandale Beach, Florida, while under the care of a babysitter, police reported Sunday. The incident occurred just miles from where another toddler died in a similar hot car incident a week prior.
The child was rushed to a hospital by the babysitter early Sunday afternoon, described as "unconscious and not breathing," according to 911 audio recordings. Temperatures on Sunday reached 90 degrees Fahrenheit, with heat indexes nearing 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
The investigation into the child's death is ongoing, and the Florida State Attorney’s Office will determine if charges will be filed against the babysitter. It remains unclear how long the child was left in the vehicle.
Hallandale Police Chief Michel urged all parents, guardians, and babysitters to develop a habit of checking the back seat of their vehicles before locking them. "A simple routine, such as placing your phone, purse, or another essential item in the back seat, can serve as a reminder and help prevent an unimaginable loss. One last look can save a child’s life," he stated.
Last week, an 18-month-old boy died after his father mistakenly left him in the backseat of his car. The father believed he had dropped the child off at an early childhood education center in Plantation but later discovered the toddler unresponsive when he went to pick him up from daycare.
So far this year, four children have died in hot cars in Florida, and Sunday's death marks the 10th such fatality nationwide, according to the nonprofit Kids and Car Safety.