3 Florida Children Dead After Becoming Trapped While Playing Outside In Disabled Freezer

SUWANNEE COUNTY, FL. (THECOUNT) — Three children have tragically died after apparently becoming trapped while playing inside a disabled freezer in the yard of a Florida home.

The three children, ages 1, 4, and 6, reportedly entered a chest freezer that was recently brought to their home, according to a woman who was caring for them. The unit locks automatically when shut, reports say.

The children, ages 1, 4, and 6, were found unresponsive and taken to a hospital where they were pronounced dead, reports MyFox8.

The children were playing outside in the yard when they climbed inside a chest freezer that had not been plugged in or brought inside, according to authorities. A woman at the home who was with the kids said she went inside to use the bathroom and could not find the children when she returned. She said she opened the freezer and found the children inside and none of them were breathing. The woman then called 911.

It is unclear how long the children were left unattended.

Authorities believe the freezer’s lid closed and a hasp fell shut, trapping the children inside.

Authorities say they do not suspect foul play in the horror incident.

Developing.

FYI: Suwannee County is a county located in the state of Florida. As of the 2010 census, the population was 41,551. Its county seat is Live Oak. Suwannee County was a dry county until August 2011, when the sale of alcoholic beverages became legal in the county, according to Wikipedia.