Tragedy struck as a was found deceased in a sweltering car outside a daycare centre, after being forgotten in the vehicle with soaring above 85°F. The little girl, who has not yet been formally identified by police, was discovered lifeless by a male relative near the centre.

The shocking incident happened in Earlwood, southwest , , on the evening of Tuesday, February 4. Emergency services rushed to the scene and attempted to revive her, but sadly she was pronounced dead at the scene. The exact cause of her death is still being investigated by authorities.

NSW Police Superintendent Christine McDonald disclosed that it's believed the baby was "left inside the vehicle for an extended period of time on a very hot day." She warned: "Leaving a child in a vehicle at any time can be dangerous. Leaving a child inside a vehicle for an extended period of time can be deadly."

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The owner of the car, who is related to the child and found her, is currently receiving hospital treatment for the severe shock experienced due to the harrowing incident. He is set to be interrogated by police upon his recovery.

The devastated mother of the girl is aiding the police with their investigation, while officers are establishing the duration the child spent trapped in the car. McDonald described the event as both a heartbreaking "tragedy" and "an extremely traumatic event", not only for the first responders but for the wider community, acknowledging the deep bonds formed at childcare centres between staff and the children they look after, akin to family ties, reports .

"My thoughts and prayers are with them because that will be a very, very difficult time."