Child dies after falling out of a window

A 3-year-old boy has died after falling out of a window from a home in the 5700 block of Magnolia Lane in Bailey’s Crossroads, the Fairfax County Police Department reports.

The boy was playing in an upper-level room at about 12:20 p.m. on June 7 when he leaned on a screen covering an open window. The screen buckled and the child fell through.

He was immediately taken to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead just after 1 p.m.

Detectives believe the death was an accident. An autopsy is being conducted on June 8, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the exact cause and manner of death.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, on average of eight children ages 5 and under die each year as a result of falling out of windows, and 3,300 are injured.

Even when screens are in place, they cannot support the weight of a child, the FCPD notes. Parents are urged to keep windows closed and locked, especially when children are playing; keep furniture children can climb on away from windows; and consider installing hardware that only allow a window to open a few inches.