A 3-year-old boy died after becoming trapped in a hot car during a record-breaking heatwave that has gripped France and other parts of Europe. The incident occurred on Wednesday in Saint-Gratien, near Paris, where temperatures rose above 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
According to preliminary findings, the boy climbed into the car to take a nap. The vehicle's child-lock system activated, trapping him inside. He was found unconscious by his parents approximately 45 minutes later. First responders were unable to resuscitate him, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The boy's mother was subsequently hospitalized for shock.
Wednesday marked the hottest day in France since record-keeping began in 1947. Seventy-two departments were placed on high alert, with 17 more on moderate alert due to the extreme temperatures. Average June temperatures in Paris typically range between 57 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit.
Experts have warned that the current heatwave could be as deadly as the 2003 heat spell in France, which resulted in an estimated 15,000 fatalities nationwide. Officials have urged the public to take precautions, with some suggesting a societal shift towards greater use of fans and air conditioning.
In a separate incident in Carpentras, in the southeastern part of the country, two other children were found dead in their family car. The cause of their deaths is still under investigation, but it is believed they may have escaped their mother's supervision and become trapped in the vehicle. Temperatures in Carpentras reached over 100 degrees Fahrenheit on Monday.
Beyond these child fatalities, the extreme heat has been linked to the deaths of three elderly individuals aged between 80 and 95 due to heat-related health issues. Authorities also reported at least 48 drowning incidents.
The current extreme heat in Europe is attributed to an atmospheric phenomenon known as an “Omega block,” which creates a high-pressure dome that traps heat and prevents cooler weather systems from dissipating it.