Tragedy in southern France, two children aged 2 and 4 found dead in car amid extreme heat

Two young children, aged 2 and 4, were found lifeless at midday this Sunday in their family car in Carpentras, in southern France, at a time when the country is being gripped by scorching temperatures.

The discovery was made at around 1:10 p.m. in the vehicle parked near their home, after the mother had returned from shopping. Although emergency crews intervened and tried to revive them, nothing could be done for either child.

The Carpentras prosecutor, Helene Mourez, said that the exact causes of death have not yet been determined, but preliminary suspicions indicate that the intense heat may have played a decisive role in this tragic incident.

According to local media, it remains unclear how the minors ended up inside the car and for how long they had been there. Initial investigations suggest they may have entered the vehicle without the knowledge of their 33-year-old mother.

The incident occurred as France is going through one of the most intense heatwaves ever recorded. Authorities have declared the highest alert level in 49 departments because of the extreme temperatures, while more than 90% of the population is expected to be affected by these weather conditions.