‘Hours’: Reason girl was left in car before being found dead in Queensland

Tragic new details have emerged about the death of a two-year old girl who was found unresponsive in a car in Queensland.

A two-year-old girl found dead in a car in Queensland had been left in the vehicle for a number of hours while her parents were working and looking after other family, police have revealed.

The toddler was found unresponsive in a car at the Cassowary Coast Regional Council chambers carpark in Innisfail, 90km from Cairns in North Queensland, at 1pm on Monday.

Paramedics treated the young girl at the scene before she was rushed to Innisfail Hospital. However she could not be revived.

Temperatures had reached a high of 30.4C in the town on Monday, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

The two-year-old girl was left inside a car at the Cassowary Coast Regional Council chambers carpark. Picture: Google

Speaking to media on Tuesday, Superintendent Mick Searle said it appeared the child had been left in the vehicle for a “significant period of time” while her parents were “at work and looking after their family”.

“The parents were away from the car at the time the child was found,” he said.

“It would appear to be quite some hours … a significant period of time.”

Superintendent Searle said police were conducting a “very complex and detailed investigation”, and it was too early to tell if charges would be laid.

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

Police said the girl had been left in the vehicle for a “significant period of time”. Picture: 7News

He added support was being provided to the family and friends, as well as the wider Innisfail community.

“Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of the people who are involved in this matter,” said Superintendent Searle.

“It’s also a very difficult time for the first responders who responded to this incident, and the Queensland Police Service is also offering all necessary support to those people.”

Cassowary Coast Mayor Teresa Millwood earlier told reporters the girl’s death was an absolute shock to the community.

“The Cassowary Coast Regional Council would like to extend our condolences to the family involved and if there’s anything we can do, we are happy to help them.”

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police.