Toddler dies after being left in car in Far North Queensland carpark for ‘significant period of time’

A toddler found unresponsive in a vehicle in a Far North Queensland carpark on Monday had been there for a significant amount of time, police said.

The two-year-old girl was found in a car parked at the Cassowary Coast Regional Council carpark at Innisfail, south of Cairns, by emergency services conducting a welfare check just before 1pm on Monday.

Temperatures in Innisfail peaked at 30C on Monday.

She was rushed to Innisfail Hospital but could not be revived.

Queensland Police Superintendent Mick Searle said it was a “complex and detailed investigation” for police.

“We’re being assisted by the family and other specialist police and that investigation will continue for quite some time,” Searle said.

“Support is being provided to the family and friends and the Innisfail community, and our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all the people involved in this matter.”

Searle said the toddler had been “left alone in the car by herself for quite some time”, and her parents were away from the vehicle when she was found.

When asked how long the girl had been there, he said it had been for a “significant period of time” and her parents were “at work and looking after family” at the time the girl was found.

Searle said it was a difficult time for first responders and support was being provided to them.

He said it was too early to comment on whether any charges were expected to be laid.