Warning for ‘negligent’ parents after police come to rescue of 150 trapped children

Police in Dubai say negligent parents are putting young lives in danger – after the force came to the rescue of more than 150 children trapped in cars, homes and lifts.

Police were called to help 75 children trapped in cars and 73 stuck in houses, while another three were saved from lifts, during the first nine months of the year.

The incidents prompted a safety warning by a police chief in the emirate.

Lt Col Abdullah Bishouh, head of land transport at Dubai Police, told Arabic newspaper

Emarat Al Youm that in some instances the rescue teams saved the lives of children moments before they suffocated.

He called on parents to be extra vigilant.

“Such accidents are a result of the family’s negligence and lack of awareness. It’s the responsibility of the family to keep the child safe from any harm,” he said.

Many of the incidents involving children trapped in cars occurred at shopping malls, public parks and residential parking areas.

“Incidents happen when parents rush to go to the park or the mall and do not make sure that all the children are with them and that no one is left in the car.

“Other incidents happen when children sneak into the open car and lock themselves inside. This is the most dangerous case, because parents might not immediately notice the child’s disappearance.”

Lt Col Bishouh pointed out that cases involving children trapped in homes may be less dangerous, but can still cause them great distress.

He said rescue teams managed to rescue three children who were trapped in lifts.

“Many children act in a curious way and put their fingers in the gap between the door and elevator, which makes them vulnerable to serious injuries … there have been incidents recorded previously of children whose fingers were amputated in similar incidents,” Lt Col Bishouh said.

He urged families to always monitor the movements of their children and never leave them unattended.

Such accidents are a result of the family’s negligence and lack of awareness. It’s the responsibility of the family to keep the child safe from any harm LT COL ABDULLAH BISHOUH Head of land transport at Dubai Police