Two children die in car during France heatwave

A heatwave gripping France has led to the tragic deaths of two young children, aged four and two, discovered lifeless in a family car in Carpentras. Prosecutors are investigating heat exposure as the likely cause, though the exact circumstances remain unclear.

The incident occurred as a severe heatwave blanketed much of Western Europe. Carpentras recorded temperatures exceeding 39 degrees Celsius (102 degrees Fahrenheit) on the afternoon of June 22.

This tragedy follows other heat-related fatalities across France. Three seniors, aged 80 to 95, died in the Bordeaux region over the weekend, with officials linking their deaths to health issues exacerbated by extreme heat. Additionally, 13 drowning deaths have been reported during the heatwave.

French authorities issued a red alert for 49 departments, advising approximately 35 million residents to take precautions such as drinking water, avoiding physical exertion, and staying out of direct sunlight. Orange alerts are in effect for 40 other departments. Temperatures are forecast to exceed 40 degrees Celsius in western and central regions, with potential highs of 43 degrees in Bordeaux and 39 in Paris. Nighttime temperatures have also reached historic highs in several cities.

The extreme heat has disrupted daily life, leading to the closure of over 800 schools and altered schedules for nearly 1,800 others. In the Paris region, about 10% of regional train services were canceled due to concerns about track and train safety in the heat. Emergency services warn of increased risks of drowning incidents as people seek relief in water.

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The causes of death are yet to be determined, but heat is currently the main line of investigation.