In a heartbreaking incident, two young children tragically lost their lives due to extreme cold while trapped inside a vehicle near a Detroit casino. Reports from the Associated Press indicate that local law enforcement confirmed the children, a 9-year-old boy and a 2-year-old girl, had been living in the vehicle along with their family, moving from place to place as necessary to survive.

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In-Depth Look at the Heartbreaking Circumstances Surrounding the Tragedy

For a clearer understanding of this tragic situation, it is important to note that the two children succumbed to the harsh effects of cold exposure. Alongside them, three additional children, aged up to 13 years, and two adults, including their mother, were also living inside the vehicle. This family’s struggle for survival highlights the dire circumstances faced by many.

According to NBC News, in the early hours of Monday at approximately 1 a.m., the children’s mother parked her van on the 9th floor of the Hollywood Casino?s parking structure. Unfortunately, the vehicle ran out of gas during the night, with temperatures plunging to around 12 degrees Fahrenheit. When the mother discovered her 9-year-old son was not breathing, she immediately dialed 911 for assistance and reached out to a family member for help. Tragically, while her son was being transported to the hospital, she checked on her other children and realized her 2-year-old daughter was also unresponsive. In a desperate attempt to save her, she called the family member to return for the girl. Surveillance footage captured the moment the entire family was seen getting into the family member’s Buick afterward.

Interim Police Chief Todd Bettison revealed that the family had been living in their vehicle for a period of two to three months. They frequently opted to park at casinos, seeking safety and access to restrooms. This situation sheds light on the challenges many families face when they are homeless, often resorting to unconventional living arrangements.

Detroit Mayor Reveals Mother Sought Assistance for Housing Prior to Tragedy

The mother of the deceased children had reached out to City Hall on November 25, in search of housing assistance. However, just 24 hours after the tragic deaths, Mayor Mike Duggan disclosed that the housing issue remained unresolved. He emphasized a concerning lack of communication from both the city and the family regarding their situation.

?For whatever reason, this wasn?t deemed an emergency that triggered an outreach worker to visit the family. ? From what we?ve gathered thus far, the family never followed up for further assistance,? Mayor Duggan stated. ?Additionally, our homeless services staff did not proactively check in to see if the family’s situation was addressed.?

During a press briefing, Mayor Duggan highlighted that a family shelter with available beds was located just a few miles away from the casino. He reassured residents of Detroit that the city has 1,400 open beds and a dedicated helpline for individuals seeking shelter.

?In an emergency, the quickest route for someone is to visit a police precinct. They will guide you through the process and help you find shelter,? Mayor Duggan emphasized.

In light of this tragic event, the mayor has tasked his staff with a two-week review of the family’s interactions with city services. ?It?s a devastating day for Detroit,? he remarked solemnly.

Meanwhile, the remaining three children are currently being cared for by relatives, as confirmed by Detroit police captain Nathan Duda.

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Associated Press reporter Ed White contributed to this report.