Hot car deaths: 2 children dead in Oklahoma, death toll climbs to 29

The inside temperature of a car parked in a sunny spot rockets to dangerous levels in minutes. The rate at which temperatures rise the fastest occurs within the first 10 minutes.

Two children in Norman, Oklahoma have died after being left inside a hot car Thursday. Family members found the toddlers on a day when temperatures reached 90 degrees F outside, Norman police said.

The 2-year-old toddlers were left in the vehicle for an “extended period of time” in the afternoon, according to a news release.

These latest tragic deaths bring this year's death toll in the United States to at least 29 children which is how many children died in 2023 due to being left in hot vehicles, according to Kids and Car Safety. The highest number of deaths occurred in 2018 with 54 reports.

The temperature inside a car parked in the sun rockets to dangerous levels in minutes. The rate at which temperatures rise the fastest occurs within the first 10 minutes.

Heatstroke can start when the body reaches a core temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Death can occur at 107 degrees. Because a child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult’s, a hot car can quickly become dangerous. Dogs left in cars face the same risk; their only way to cool down is through sweat glands on their paws or by panting.

Nationwide hot car deaths: A disturbing trend

Hot car deaths continue to be a pressing concern across the country. Since 1990, at least 1,093 children have lost their lives after being left in vehicles, according to KidsAndCarSafety.org. An additional 7,500 children have survived with varying degrees of injuries. Nearly 90% of these victims are 3 years old or younger.

Kids and Car Safety is also monitoring three additional child fatalities pending autopsy results. The organization has tracked hot vehicle deaths for years and is pushing automakers to add more technology to prevent them.

For more resources on preventing hot car deaths, visit the Kids and Car Safety website.