A heart-stopping video released by the Corona Police Department shows officers rescuing a baby left alone in a dangerously overheated vehicle as California battled triple-digit heat.
The incident occurred on June 17 in Corona, where outside temperatures had reached 96°F. When police arrived at the scene, they found an infant—just a few months old—locked inside a parked car with the windows rolled up and the engine turned off. Using a thermal imaging device, officers recorded the interior temperature at a staggering 110°F.
According to officials, the child appeared to be in clear distress. Officers quickly broke one of the car’s front windows to unlock the door and retrieve the baby from the back seat. Bodycam footage shows one officer gently holding the child, patting its back to comfort it after the rescue.
The Corona Police Department shared the dramatic footage on Facebook with a stern warning: “LEAVE NO KIDS UNATTENDED!!”
Authorities say the baby is expected to make a full recovery. However, they have not confirmed whether the child’s parent or guardian will face criminal charges.
Heat Danger for Children in Cars
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that a child’s body heats up three to five times faster than an adult’s. Even on mild days, a vehicle’s internal temperature can rise by 20 degrees in just 10 minutes.
So far in 2025, seven children have died in hot cars across the U.S., according to Kids and Car Safety. Since 1990, over 1,100 children have lost their lives in similar tragedies.
More Scorching Temperatures Ahead
The heat isn’t letting up anytime soon. California is bracing for even more extreme weather this week:
- Corona: Highs will stay in the upper 90s through the weekend and into next week.
- Sacramento: Expected to hit 98°F this weekend and climb to 100°F by midweek.
- Death Valley: Temperatures will soar to an intense 118°F over the coming days.
- Coastal areas like San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Santa Barbara will remain much cooler, with temperatures mostly in the 60s to low 70s.
Safety Reminder
Police are urging all parents and caregivers to double-check vehicles before locking them and to never leave children unattended—no matter how brief the stop may seem.
“This was a preventable situation that could have ended in tragedy,” the department said. “Please, always check the back seat.”
