A little girl who died after being found abandoned in a parked car had been left there for a “significant time” while her parents were “at work and caring for their family.”
The two-year-old girl was found by emergency services in a vehicle in the Cassowary Coast Council car park in Innisfail, near Cairns, in far north Queensland.
They were called to carry out a welfare check just before 1pm on Monday after worried locals raised the alarm when temperatures soared above 30C.
Paramedics treated the girl at the scene before she was rushed to Innisfail Hospital in a critical condition, but were unable to revive her.
Queensland Police Superintendent Mick Searle described the investigation as “complex and detailed” and said the boy had been there for a “significant period of time”.
“We are being assisted by the family and other specialized police officers and the investigation will continue for quite some time,” he said.
“Support is being extended to the family, friends and community of Innisfail, and our deepest condolences go out to everyone involved in this matter.”
He said it was too early to comment on whether charges were expected to be filed, but confirmed that the parents said they were working and with their family at the time.
Toddler died after being found unconscious in car in northern Queensland
Support is offered to first responders.
Mourners left a floral tribute where the car was parked
He said it was a difficult time for first responders and support was being provided to them.
Speaking yesterday, Cassowary Coast Mayor Teresa Millwood said it was a tragic event.
“Cassowary Coast Regional Council would like to express our deepest condolences to the family involved and if there is anything we can do we will be happy to help,” he said.
Mourners flocked to social media to offer their condolences to the family, and some laid flowers where the car was parked.