DETROIT (WWJ) — An investigation is underway after two children apparently froze to death in a van in Downtown Detroit.
It happened around 1 p.m. Monday in the parking garage attached to Hollywood Casino at Greektown, according to Detroit police officials. Authorities say it appears five children were living in the van with their family, which appeared to be "unsheltered."
DPD officials said the mother noticed one of her kids — a 9-year-old boy — was not breathing and she called a friend to take him to the hospital.
While at the hospital, the grandmother reported another child, a 2-year-old girl, was not breathing, so the friend returned to the van and took her to the hospital.
Both children were pronounced dead at the hospital. While authorities say a cause of death has not yet been determined, it appears the children froze to death. An autopsy will determine the cause of death.
Three other children, reportedly ages 11, 8 and 4, were taken to the hospital to be evaluated and were listed in stable condition.
It was not immediately clear how long the children were in the van.
The city of Detroit offers warming centers throughout the winter. Locations can be found on the city's website.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for the latest updates as they become available. >>> LISTEN LIVE!