A 3-year-girl died on Sunday after she was left trapped in a burning car in Queens.

The New York Post reports that police responded to a call about a car left in the middle of road near Baisley Boulevard in the Springfield Gardens neighborhood. A 3-year-old girl was trapped in the car, as the doors had been chained shut, but the heat from the flames had melted the door handle and allowed officers to retrieve her.

At that moment, the male driver of the car, who reportedly looked to be in flames, jumped out of the car and ran into a nearby pond.

The child was transported to Jamaica Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

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Sources told the New York Post that the driver is believed to be the girl’s father, and the report said the incident may have been related to a custody dispute.

Officers reportedly found two gas canisters at the scene, one outside of the car and one in the backseat, suggesting the car may have been intentionally set aflame. Officers apprehended the driver and he was taken to Cornell Hospital with second- and third-degree burns.

This is a developing story. CrimeOnline will provide further updates when more information is available.

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Feature image: Oskars Zvejs from Pixabay