Police investigating the death of a two-year-old girl at Innisfail in north Queensland believe the toddler had been inside a vehicle for several hours before she was found unresponsive on Monday.
The far north police Supt Mick Searle said detectives would undertake a “very complex and detailed” investigation into the girl’s death.
She was found unconscious about 1pm on Monday inside the car, which was parked outside the Cassowary Coast shire hall on Rankin Street. Temperatures in Innisfail on Monday peaked just above 30C about 12.30pm.
“It appears the child had been in the vehicle by herself for quite some time and the parents were away from the car for some time,” Searle said.
“It would appear to be quite some hours. It was a significant period of time.”
He said paramedics had unsuccessfully attempted to resuscitate the child, who was found unresponsive.
“[Police are conducting] a very complex and detailed investigation in relation to this matter, we’re being assisted by the family and other specialist police and that investigation will continue for some time,” he said. “The family has been very cooperative at this point.
“I’ll reiterate this is an ongoing investigation … there will be a range of factors we’ll need to assess. We will prepare a brief of evidence for the northern coroner in due course.”
The Queensland premier, David Crisafulli, said “our hearts are with the Innisfail community as they grapple with this tragedy”.
“I know authorities will get to work immediately, but right now this community should know this government stands ready with the support they need during this tragic time.”
