A four-year-old girl whose father allegedly left her sleeping in an overheated car as the mercury topped 40 degrees Celsius has died after doctors fought for three days to save her life.
The 33-year-old father left his daughter sleeping in the car as he went to work in his hair salon in the western Croatian village of Rovinjsko Selo, according to local media, while temperatures reportedly soared above 40 degrees Celsius.
The unnamed girl was reportedly left in the car with the windows closed in high summer temperatures for a period of two hours on the street in front of the salon.
Reports said that road workmen realised that something was wrong with the girl, and the father, whose identity has not been disclosed, immediately called the emergency services.
The girl was rushed to hospital suffering febrile seizures, otherwise known as fever fits, and in hospital her temperature was about 40 degrees Celsius, according to reports.
However, the girl reportedly suffered brain and liver damage and was transferred to a children’s hospital in a critical condition where doctors battled to save her life, sadly to no avail.
Village community member Emil Radovan said: “He owns a hair salon and recently had a knee operation and only returned to work a few days ago.
“That day, the salon was really busy and his little girl fell asleep in the car.
“As the car was parked right outside his salon, he could see when his daughter would eventually wake up.”
According to local media, a criminal report has been filed against the dad and he could face a prison sentence of between three and 15 years.
The girl’s distraught mother is said to be pregnant with the couple’s third child.
The investigation continues.
Netizen ‘Mama201’ commented: “So sad. Poor man! To live with such a thing on your conscious is the biggest punishment.”
‘Sugr13’ said: “I am sorry for the father, he has to live with that forever. Condolences to the family.”
‘Mrkva i batina i ja’ wrote: ‘I see that many people are feeling sorry for the father. Hello? A child is not an umbrella to leave in the car and forget about.”
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Story By: Angjela Trajkovska, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News
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