The tragic reason why little girl, 2, was left to die in the back of a car near Cairns – as Queensland Police reveal grim new details
A toddler who died after being found abandoned in a parked car had been left there for “a significant amount of time” while her parents were “at work and caring for the 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 conduct a welfare check just before 1pm on Monday after concerned locals raised the alarm as temperatures rose above 30 degrees Celsius
Paramedics treated the girl at the scene before she was taken to Innisfail Hospital in a critical condition but could not be resuscitated.
Queensland Police Commissioner Mick Searle described the investigation as “complex and detailed” and said the toddler had been there for “a significant period of time”.
“We are being assisted by the family and other specialist police officers and that investigation will continue for some time,” he said.
“Support is extended to the family and friends and the Innisfail community and our sincere condolences go out to all those involved in this case.”
He said it was too early to comment on whether charges were expected to be filed, but confirmed that the parents said they were at work and with family at the time.
A toddler has died after being found unconscious in a car in north Queensland
Support is provided to first responders
Mourners left floral tributes at the spot where the car was parked
He said it was a difficult time for first responders and support was being provided to them.
Cassowary Coast Mayor Teresa Millwood said yesterday it was a tragic event.
“The Cassowary Coast Regional Council would like to extend our condolences to the family involved and if there is anything we can do we would be happy to assist them,” she said.
Mourners flocked to social media to express their condolences to the family, with some laying flowers where the car was parked.