Firefighters Rescue Children Trapped in Hot Car at Strawberry Field

Visselhövede - A dramatic incident unfolded at a strawberry field in the Rotenburg district of Niedersachsen on Sunday afternoon. Three children, aged 8, 10, and 12, found themselves trapped inside a locked black BMW as temperatures soared to 30 degrees Celsius. Their parents were unable to unlock the car, leading to an urgent situation as the heat inside the vehicle escalated.

The family had intended to enjoy a summer outing picking fresh strawberries. However, seeking refuge from the intense heat, the children climbed into the car and unintentionally locked themselves inside. When the parents realized the severity of the situation, they attempted unsuccessfully to open the doors and windows from the outside. In desperation, they called the local fire department for assistance.

The fire brigade arrived promptly at 12:07 PM, approximately 25 minutes after the children had been locked in the vehicle. By the time help arrived, the children were visibly distressed and showing signs of overheating. According to reports, they had removed their T-shirts to combat the heat, and there were concerns for their wellbeing.

Upon arrival, the firefighters quickly assessed the situation. They used blankets to shield the car from further sun exposure and sprayed cold water from their fire engine onto the vehicle to help cool it down. Additionally, they set up a pavilion over the car to minimize heat buildup.

Recognizing that the situation was critical and that the children had already spent a considerable amount of time inside the hot car, the firefighters had to act swiftly. They determined that the only way to get the children out safely was to break one of the windows using specialized tools. After approximately 30 minutes of their ordeal, the children were freed from the vehicle. Fortunately, they managed to exit the car on their own.

Once outside, the children were assessed by paramedics who had arrived on the scene. After a thorough examination, they were cleared and reunited with their parents. The exact cause of the locking mechanism failure remains unclear.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by leaving children unattended in vehicles, especially during extreme heat conditions. Authorities continue to advocate for heightened awareness regarding the risks associated with leaving children in cars, even for short periods.