Italy heatwave tragedy: Toddler dies in father's forgotten car
19 July 2024 20:59
A tragic situation occurred in Italy. A distracted father forgot that he was supposed to take his little daughter to day care. Hours spent inside the car resulted in the child being unrescuable. The girl's mother asks for understanding.
The heatwave currently sweeping across countless homes is not exclusive to Poland. Temperatures are significantly higher than usual in all countries. Meteorologists agree: this summer is the hottest in history. The heatwave has claimed many lives across various countries. The elderly are particularly vulnerable to the effects of the high temperatures. Doctors are urging people to stay indoors and remain hydrated, while police are warning against leaving people or animals in cars.
Father forgot about his daughter
A massive tragedy occurred on Wednesday, 17 July 2024, in Italy. Lucio Petrizzi, the father of 22-month-old Elena, was supposed to take her to daycare. Distracted by his professional work, he forgot that his daughter was sleeping in the car seat and went to the veterinary clinic where he works as a professor of veterinary medicine. He realised his mistake when he returned to the car five hours later.
Veterinarian's coworkers noticed Elena locked in the car and immediately informed her father after five hours. Petrizzi ran to the parking lot. In the back seat car seat, nearly two-year-old Elena was barely breathing. The man immediately called an ambulance, which fought to save the child's life. Upon arrival at the hospital, doctors pronounced the girl dead due to brain swelling. The parents, upon hearing of their child's death, lost consciousness and were also transported to the hospital.
The girl's mother appeals to the media
Chiara Sciarrini, Elena’s mother, appealed to all interested parties, asking for understanding for her partner. In a statement to the Italian media, the woman wrote: "What happened to him could have happened to anyone. I want to shout to the whole world how much my partner loved his daughter. He is an exemplary father."
The local prosecutor ordered an autopsy of Elena, which will take place early next week. It is not yet known if the girl's father will face charges. The nearly two-year-old saved the lives of two children after her death: a two-year-old girl and a little boy became recipients of Elena's heart and liver after the child's parents consented to an organ transplant for their daughter.
