Carpentras infant deaths: Mum of boys found dead in ‘very hot’ car may face manslaughter

The mum of two children who died after being in a car during a heatwave in France is reportedly not fit to be interviewed yet after being taken into the care emergency services

The mum of two children who have tragically lost their lives after being found in a car during a major heatwave may be facing a charge of manslaughter, according to media outlets in France,

It comes as neighbours of the family in Carpentras have been left “heartbroken” and in shock over the tragedy that occurred earlier today (June 22). The two boys, aged two and four, had reportedly been found in cardiac arrest by their 33-year-old mother in the car that was in a residential parking garage.

Despite the best efforts of the paramedics, they were unable to save the boys. The mother has since been taken into care by emergency services but has so far been deemed not fit for a police interview.

The boys were in the car as France was currently facing a major heatwave with recorded temperatures in Carpentras today being just less than 40C. Emergency services were called to the scene at around 1pm local time.

The Carpentras prosecutor’s office earlier said a “heatwave theory” was the leading hypothesis for the cause of death, However, they have since announced this evening that they are opening of an investigation into manslaughter, according to French outlet La Provence.

Autopsies will now be carried out on the two children at the Nîmes forensic institute in the coming days.

According to reports in France, the mum had just returned from shopping with her children It is believed the two had then entered the car without her knowledge and were left unable to get out until they were tragically found by their mum. It is unknown how long the boys had been in the car.

One neighbour of the family, who were close to them, told La Provence. “We’re devastated. We’re all parents here, we’re heartbroken.”

A relative described only as an “uncle” also came to the address but did not speak to the reporters on the scene.

The mum was also treated by paramedics for shock and taken to the city’s emergency room in the presence of her eldest daughter. It is unknown if the sister of the two boy’s was also present at the house.

The city’s new National Rally mayor Hervé de Lépinau was “deeply saddened” by the deaths of the two children. Writing on X: I am deeply saddened and moved by the deaths of two children in Carpentras, almost certainly linked to the heatwave.

“This is a true tragedy that reminds us how essential it is to be extra vigilant with children during this period of extreme heat. I naturally express my condolences and compassion to the family during this terrible ordeal .”

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