Toddler trapped in locked car rescued by Southern California firefighters

A toddler trapped inside his family’s locked vehicle amid the warm weather was rescued by firefighters Monday in Studio City.  

It’s unclear exactly what time crews with LAFD’s Engine 86 were called to the scene, but in a post to the department’s Instagram account, officials said a prompt 911 call allowed crews to unlock the vehicle and rescue the uninjured 2-year-old.  

Footage of the incident posted to the Citizen App shows the concerned mother on the driver’s side of the vehicle as firefighters work to unlock the passenger side of the vehicle and get to her child.  

According to LAFD, the toddler locked himself in the vehicle as his parents stood just outside the car.  It is not known if the car was running at the time of the incident.

Once firefighters were able to get the door open, they lifted the boy out and handed him over to his mother.  

According to California vehicle code, it is against the law to leave a child under the age of 6-years-old alone in a vehicle without the supervision of a person at least 12 years of age or older.

Authorities suggest the following to keep your children safe: 

• Never leave a child in a vehicle with the motor running or the key in the ignition 

• Check to make sure all children leave the vehicle when you reach your destination 

• Keep a stuffed animal in your child’s car seat when it’s empty. When your child is in the car, place the stuffed animal on the front seat next to you as a visual reminder 

• Never leave keys within the reach of children 

• Teach children never to play in, on or around cars 

• Make it a habit to “look before you leave” before exiting any vehicle 

• Never let children ride or play in the cargo area, trunk or bed of any vehicle 

• If a child is locked inside a vehicle, get him or her out as quickly as possible. Call 9-1-1 for assistance if necessary. If the child appears hot or sick, call 9-1-1 immediately