Every summer, a few parents inadvertently leave their child in the car while running errands or heading to work. Tragically, news reports often highlight heartbreaking stories of babies succumbing to heatstroke as temperatures soar, exacerbated by climate change. Yet, one mother named Bonnie Engle has sparked controversy by openly admitting to leaving her baby in a hot car while she goes shopping, even going so far as to leave a note on the window to reassure concerned passersby.
The handwritten note, which recently circulated online, informed onlookers that her baby was “OK” and had snacks and drinks, while she ran a quick errand at Target. Engle’s underlined emphasis on “OK,” “Target,” and “Be back soon” aimed to dissuade any well-intentioned rescues of her child from the sweltering vehicle.
In a video posted on Instagram, Engle preemptively defended her actions, pleading for understanding and asserting her child’s safety. However, the tone quickly shifted when she revealed her husband sitting in the car, enjoying iced coffee and popcorn. It became apparent that the entire scenario was an elaborate prank.
Engle’s video went viral, eliciting a mix of reactions from viewers. While some found humor in the prank, others deemed it tasteless and offensive, considering the gravity of hot car deaths among infants.
The incident raises important questions about the boundaries of humor and sensitivity, particularly regarding topics as serious as child safety. Engle’s prank may have been intended as harmless fun, but its reception underscores the need for greater awareness and sensitivity surrounding such delicate issues.
What are your thoughts on this controversial prank?