An Australian mother has been charged with manslaughter after her three-year-old child was found dead in a sweltering hot car.
According to 7News, the young girl was left in the car on Friday afternoon in Townsville, Queensland where temperatures were exceeding 32C.
The 37-year-old mother and her 29-year-old boyfriend took the child to hospital at around 2:45pm once they realised she was in the car but it was too late.
Police told 7News preliminary investigations show the child was locked inside the car for most of the day in what was a "very preventable and unfortunate tragedy".
Police, paramedics and detectives from the child protection investigation unit were all in attendance at the hospital.
"We'll be looking at all facets in relation to the care of this child," Detective Senior Sergeant Miles said, "not only today but leading up to these events."
Both the mother and her boyfriend have been charged with manslaughter and will appear before the Townsville Magistrates Court on Saturday.
The child's siblings are currently under the care of another parent while the investigation continues.
