Toddler, 2, dies in hot car 'after being left by babysitter'

A two-year-old child died after being found left inside a hot car. The incident was at Hallandale Beach, in Florida, on Sunday afternoon, police said. It happened less than a week after another child was found dead inside a car at a Plantation early learning centre, in Florida, last Monday.

Officers arrived at the car around 1:35pm after receiving a report of the child being inside the vehicle, police said. Paramedics took the child to the hospital, where the toddler died a police spokeswoman said. Police have not said where the car was parked. Police said the child was in the care of a babysitter when he or she was left in the car.

Police said the investigation “remains in its preliminary stages,” and have not said if arrests are pending.

“This is a heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts are with the child’s family, and everyone affected by this tragedy,” the department said in a statement.

Temperatures reached 32C degrees in Hallandale Beach Sunday, with heat indexes reaching near 37C degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

The department said the tragedy is an important reminder to drivers to always make sure children are not left in cars, especially in hot weather.

“We also want to use this moment to remind every parent, guardian, and caregiver in our community: always check the back seat before locking your vehicle and walking away,” the department said.

“Temperatures inside a parked car can climb to dangerous levels within minutes, even on days that don’t feel especially hot. One last look before you shut the door can save a child’s life.”