A devastating incident has shaken the community in regional Victoria, leaving a family and neighbors in shock.
On Sunday afternoon, a 10-year-old boy lost his life after becoming stuck in a car boot in Mooroopna, near Shepparton.
A Horrific Discovery
The boy’s mother was resting inside the house when she noticed the car keys were missing. Her search led her to the car, where she made a heart-wrenching discovery – her son was trapped inside the boot. Emergency services were called to the scene on Gange St, but despite their best efforts, the boy couldn’t be saved.
A Fatal Fascination
It’s understood the young boy had a fascination with cars and took the keys belonging to an adult. Climbing into the boot, he became trapped, and the scorching heat proved to be a deadly combination. The temperature in Shepparton reached a maximum of 35.5C on Sunday, making the conditions inside the car extremely hot. In fact, temperatures can rise by up to 70% within an hour inside a car, making it a deadly trap.
A Bloodcurdling Scream
Around 3:30 pm, neighbors reported hearing a bloodcurdling scream coming from down the street. When they approached the scene, they saw the car doors and boot open. One resident reportedly told a concerned neighbor, “Don’t go over there.” The tragedy has left the community reeling, especially with Christmas just around the corner.
A Neighbor’s Lament
“Kids in cars is not a good mix,” said a neighbor, struggling to come to terms with the incident. “It’s very sad, especially so close to Christmas.” Another local, who had spent the day in Cobram, returned home to find police and SES personnel on the street. He was informed that the boy had been trapped inside the car boot “for a few hours.”
An Investigation Underway
The boy’s death is not being treated as suspicious, and the circumstances surrounding his death will continue to be investigated. Police are preparing a report for the coroner, which will hopefully shed more light on this tragic incident.
A Sobering Reminder
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of children playing with cars. It’s a warning we should all heed, especially during the holiday season when children are often more curious and seemingly invincible. As the community comes to terms with this tragedy, our thoughts are with the boy’s family and loved ones.