Girl, 3, dies after getting stuck inside washing machine at family home

The child was pulled from the machine in a critical condition

A three-year-old girl has died after being found trapped inside a washing machine, just days after her birthday. French authorities have launched an investigation after her dad found her in a critical condition at the family home in Paris, on Thursday night. According to reports, the girl had turned three less than a week ago. The girl's 48-year-old dad and another family member are said to have found her inside the washing machine around 10.30pm. Le Parisien reports that the child was already in a critical condition when she was pulled out, and was pronounced dead around an hour later after paramedics battled to save her. Le Parisien said the tragedy unfolded after the dad had dinner with his 37-year-old wife and one of their other children and then became concerned about where the girl was. Reports suggest the whole family, and even neighbours, were involved in searching the family's apartment in Paris's 10th arrondissement. According to the declarations of the father, the washing machine was closed when the family members found her. Initial details suggest that the child may have suffocated, but an autopsy is yet to take place. A source said the parents had five children, including the deceased. "The eldest is 18 years old, then there are the sons between 7 and 16 years old and finally the victim," they added, noting that the parents were also unaware of what their other four children were doing during dinner, the Mail reported. A special unit for the protection of minors is heading the probe. In July, seven-year-old Troy Khoele was found dead inside of a washing machine just hours after his parents reported him missing in Spring, Texas. The boy's parents were later charged. Related links:

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