Police appeal for information following Innisfail child death

Police are investigating how a two-year-old girl who tragically died was left inside a car in the carpark of the Cassowary Coast Regional Council chambers.

Police are investigating how a two-year-old girl who tragically died was left inside a car in the carpark of the Cassowary Coast Regional Council chambers.

The young girl, 2, was found inside a car parked in the local government’s car park, off Owen St in Innisfail on Monday afternoon.

It’s understood one of the parents is an employee of the council.

Police officers responded to a call a child was in a vehicle at the council building in Rankin St about 1pm on Monday, November 25.

The girl was found unresponsive inside the car located in the carpark out the back before she was rushed to Innisfail Hospital.

Hospital staff continued CPR on arrival, but she could not be revived.

Far North District Superintendent Mick Searle said police were conducting a very complex and detailed investigation in relation to the girl’s death.

“It would appear the child was left on her own in the car for a significant period of time,” he said.

“About 1pm on Monday afternoon police were called to Rankin Street, Innisfail, to reports of a child being found unresponsive in a vehicle.

“Police and paramedics responded but unfortunately paramedics were unable to resuscitate the child at the time, and the child has subsequently been classified as deceased.”

The Cassowary Coast Regional Council chambers in Rankin St, Innisfail.

Superintendent Searle said police would gather and assess all relevant evidence in detail, which would assist in guiding their next steps, however, he said the investigation will continue for “quite some time”.

“The family has been very cooperative at this point. I believe that will continue,” he said.

Superintendent Searle also said a brief of evidence will be prepared for the Northern Coroner, taking multiple factors into account.

“The investigation is very detailed in its nature. It will be very complex, and there’ll be a range of factors that we’ll need to assess,” he said.

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

Cassowary Coast Mayor Teresa Millwood expressed her sympathies for the family of the child.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the family and all those affected,” she said.

“Out of respect for their privacy during this difficult time, we will not be making any further comment at this stage. Thank you for your understanding.”

On Tuesday, residents and business owners of Innisfail were still in shock while coming to terms with the death, which many reported was a first of its kind for the town and region in recent memory.

Residents who said they knew the parents of the girl expressed their grief for the family, sympathy towards the mum and dad, noting it was “not the time to find fault.”

On Monday, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli shared his condolences following the death.

Mr Crisafulli said his thoughts were with the Innisfail community.

“Our hearts are with the Innisfail community as they grapple with this tragedy,” he said.

“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.”

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police.

Originally published as Police appeal for information following Innisfail child death