Girl, 2, dies after babysitter left her in scorching hot car for more than 3 hours while toddler’s mum was at work

A TWO-YEAR-OLD girl has died after her babysitter left her in a scorching hot car for more than three hours.

The toddler’s mum was at work while Brittany Nicole, 2, was left baking in a 2012 Honda Odyssey for around three hours, police said.

Little Brittany had just celebrated her second birthday when she was found in the car on the 33 degree (92 Fahrenheit) day in Hallandale Beach, Florida.

The child was rushed to hospital where she was declared dead.

Brittany’s mum Cristina Lopez said she had never had an issue with the babysitter before.

She thought Brittany would be safe.

But Cristina claimed that while she was at work, the unnamed babysitter had left the toddler with her dad instead of taking care of her herself as agreed.

The dad then allegedly abandoned little Brittany in a car from 9.30am to 1pm, under the hot Florida heat.

Cristina said police told her on July 7 that no charges would be filed against the babysitter or her dad, according to a fundraiser for the family.

Cops reportedly said that charges couldn’t be filed because the man was mentally ill and that the babysitter had not signed a formal contract.

Some reports said the babysitter’s dad suffered from dementia.

The fundraiser was launched to pay funeral home fees for Brittany as her mourning mother struggles to cover the costs.

Cristina also wants answers as to why her little girl was left in the heat for so long.

The family claimed claimed on the fundraiser: “The police had found the baby at 1pm and didn’t come to let her know until 2.45pm, which is when they came.”

It added: “Cristina is a very hardworking and humble person, and due to someone else’s carelessness, she lost her only baby girl.

“The police wont let her see her baby girl until we find a funeral home for her, in which we found and are now all trying to raise money for.”

The mum told Local10 news: “I just want justice.”

Police said: “The Broward State Attorney’s Office is reviewing the circumstances to determine whether criminal charges are appropriate, and the Department is awaiting the Medical Examiner’s final report.”

Authorities have launched an investigation which is still “in its preliminary stages”.

They added: “This is a heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts are with the child’s family, and everyone affected by this tragedy.”

Cops then warned: “We also want to use this moment to remind every parent, guardian, and caregiver in our community: always check the back seat before locking your vehicle and walking away.”

Police Chief Michel Michel told the New York Post that the “tragedy has touched our entire community”.

He said: “While nothing can undo the pain this family is experiencing, our hearts remain with the child’s family.

“We hope this child’s story inspires every caregiver to adopt one simple habit: always check the back seat before leaving your vehicle.

“Taking one extra moment could prevent another family from experiencing this unimaginable loss.”