An eight-year-old boy is fighting for his life after becoming trapped in a hot car south-west of Melbourne’s CBD.
The boy was discovered by one of his parents inside a minivan parked in Maddox Rd, Newport, about 2.45pm on Monday.
He was treated at the scene by paramedics and then taken to the Royal Children’s Hospital in a critical condition.
Temperatures reached about 32 degrees when emergency services were called about the incident, however the inside of a vehicle can heat up to more than double the outside air temperature within minutes.
“Emergency services were called when the eight-year-old boy was located unresponsive in a car by one of his parents at about 2.45pm,” a police spokesman said, according to news.com.au.
“The boy was transported to hospital in a critical condition.”
“It is unclear at this time how the boy came to be in the car however the incident is not believed to be suspicious at this time.”
Homicide detectives have been notified “as per protocol” and are assisting in the investigation.
Speaking with the Herald Sun, neighbours have expressed their concern and sadness over the incident.
“It’s just a very sad situation,’’ one said. “I can’t imagine what the parents would be going through. It’s sad whichever way it happened — especially when kids are involved.”
Another resident said: “First I saw was the ambulance and then a whole heap of police cars. I just saw the flashing lights.”
The unseasonable heat is expected to continue today in Melbourne.
