2-Year-Old Girl Survives Nine Hours Alone in Car Outside South Dakota Business

According to the Sioux City Journal, a 2-year-old Nebraska girl was left alone for nine hours in a parked car while her mother was working at her Dakota Dunes job.
The girl, from South Sioux City, was left in her mother’s car from the time the woman went to work at 8 a.m. to when the girl’s father discovered she wasn't at daycare at approximately 5 p.m., according to the Union County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities say that sunny skies and warm clothing helped prevent serious injuries to the girl. The mother says she did not realize the child was in the care at the time.

The mother was not arrested or charged at the time, but the state's attorney is reviewing the case to determine if charges would be filed.

“She seemed pretty distraught over it,” said Union County Sheriff Dan Limoges.

The Associated Press reports that the girl remains in the custody of her parents.