A couple was placed in custody on Monday after the death of their 15-month-old twin girls in Beuvrages near Valenciennes. Preliminary findings point to dehydration. The couple's four other children were hospitalized.
The parents alerted emergency services around 1 p.m. after finding the girls lifeless in their beds. An investigation for neglect leading to the death of minors has been opened and an autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday.
The children aged 3, 4, 5 and 6 are hospitalized but not in life-threatening condition. The couple, aged 35 and 32, has no criminal record and the family was not under educational supervision.
The Nord department, downgraded to green alert on Monday after several days of red heatwave status, saw temperatures fall. Neighbors described the family as well integrated and calm.
