TRIGGER WARNING: This post contains information about death, which may be triggering to some,
Sydney’s Inner West was rocked by tragedy when a one-year-old baby was found unresponsive in a hot car outside a childcare centre in Earlwood. Emergency services were called to Marana Road at around 5:35 pm om Tuesday, but despite their efforts, the child could not be revived.
Authorities believe the baby girl was left inside the vehicle for an extended period, with investigators suspecting the girl’s father only realised he hadn’t actually dropped her off at the Childcare Centre earlier in the day when when arrived to pick her up in the afternoon. The exact circumstances of what happened are still being investigated.
As you can imagine, the father was overwhelmed with grief and shock and was taken to the hospital, while the mother is cooperating with police as investigations continue. A crime scene has been established as officers work to determine exactly what led to this devastating loss.
Our hearts go out to the grieving parents and loved ones of this little girl. No words can ease the pain of such an unimaginable loss. We extend our deepest sympathies to her family, friends, and all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. Rest in peace, little angel.
Neighbours rushed to the scene
Neighbour Roy Gomes was mowing his lawn when he heard the father’s chilling cries when he made the tragic discovery, then tried in vain to revive her.
‘I heard screaming and ran out and saw the father with the baby. I took her off him and tried CPR for about five minutes until ambulance arrived.
‘All the neighbours were really good at putting water on her, trying to cool her down because she was obviously still very hot.
‘But she was just floppy and there was no life.’
Superintendent Christine McDonald of the Burwood Police Area Command described the incident as “an absolute tragedy” and emphasised the dangers of leaving children in vehicles, particularly in hot weather. On the day of the incident, temperatures had reached nearly 30°C, turning the car into an unbearable and deadly environment.
No charges have been laid over the tragedy.
‘Leaving a child inside a vehicle for an extended period of time can be deadly.
‘This is an absolute tragedy.
‘It’s something that affects the wider community as well… This has a rippling effect right throughout our community because so many of us can put ourselves in a similar situation.’
The Reality of Hot Car Deaths in Australia
Sadly, this tragedy is not an isolated case. Each year, over 5,000 children are rescued from hot cars across Australia. Between 2018 and 2023, at least ten children died due to being left in vehicles, with half of these cases occurring in Queensland.
Research shows that even on a mild day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar rapidly, becoming deadly within minutes. When outside temperatures are around 30°C, the inside of a car can reach up to 60°C. Cracking a window or parking in the shade does little to prevent this rapid increase in heat.
Young children are particularly vulnerable as their bodies heat up three to five times faster than adults. Once a child’s body temperature reaches 40°C or higher, heatstroke can set in, causing dizziness, seizures, unconsciousness, and, ultimately, death.
How to Prevent This from Happening to You
These heartbreaking incidents serve as a stark reminder that no child should ever be left unattended in a vehicle, no matter how short the duration. Here are key ways to ensure your child’s safety:
1. Always Check the Back Seat
Make it a habit to check the back seat every time you leave your car. Some parents leave a necessary item, like a phone, wallet, or handbag, in the back seat as a reminder.
2. Create a System with Caregivers
If someone else is dropping off or picking up your child, establish a check-in system. A simple text or call confirming arrival can prevent a tragic oversight.
3. Keep Your Car Locked
Many hot car deaths happen when a child climbs into an unlocked car without an adult noticing. Always lock your vehicle and store keys out of reach.
4. Use Technology for Reminders
Modern vehicles come equipped with rear-seat reminders. If your car doesn’t have one, you can use phone alerts or child safety apps to remind you to check the back seat.
5. Speak Up If You See a Child in a Car
If you see a child alone in a locked car, call emergency services immediately. Bystander intervention can be life-saving in these situations.
Raising Awareness & Resources
Education and awareness are crucial in preventing hot car deaths. At Mum Central, we have covered similar tragedies and safety tips to help parents stay informed. Here are some articles with more information on child safety in vehicles:
The loss of a child in such a preventable tragedy is devastating. No parent thinks it will happen to them, yet each year, families are left grieving due to one moment of distraction or miscalculation.
By staying vigilant, creating routines, and educating others, we can work towards preventing more tragedies like the one in Burwood. Always double-check, spread awareness, and remember: a car can become a death trap within minutes. No child should ever be left behind.
