A 3-year-old Virginia boy has died after falling through a window Wednesday, police say.
The accident happened at a home in the 5700 block of Magnolia Lane in Bailey's Crossroads.
Fairfax County Police said the little boy was playing with a sibling in a second-story room where a piece of furniture was up against the window. When the boy leaned back against the open window, the screen frame buckled and he fell through the window to the ground below.
The boy, whose name has not been released, was transported to the hospital, where he died a short time later, police said.
An average of eight children younger than 5 die each year from falling out of windows, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
"It's summertime. Who wouldn't open their window in the summer," neighbor Jarell Tucker said.
Tucker said he's a father of four and can understand how easily such a tragic accident could have happened.
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"I've had instances of kids playing in the window to where I've had to come in there and just block the whole window off. I don't even like to take chances," he said.
The Fairfax County Police Department is encouraging parents to consider the following safety tips:
- Keep play areas and furniture away from windows.
- Keep windows closed and locked, especially when children are playing in the area.
- Consider installing hardware that only allow the window to open a few inches.
