JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – An 8-month-old baby girl is in critical condition after she was burned by hot water in a bathtub Wednesday afternoon, the child's father said.
Jacksonville police and firefighters were called to Roosevelt Gardens Apartments on Lincoln Court in the Hogan's Creek area of the Northside at about 12:30 p.m.
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The girl, named Aniyah, was taken to the Shands Medical Center Burn Unit in Gainesville with what was believed to be third-degree burns.
"I really don't have a lot of emotion until I know what's going on," the girl's father, Irvin, said. "Of course, she's in critical condition, so I don't want to jump to any emotions until I know she's OK."
He said Aniyah was in the bathtub when other children messed with the water knobs.
"I do think it was an accident, a bad accident, an irresponsible accident," Irvin said.
As Irvin drove to see his daughter in the hospital, police continued to investigate. The Department of Children and Families is also investigating.
Spokesman John Harrell said DCF is investigating the possibility that the girl's mother left her alone with a 2-year-old child. Harrell said that child was also taken to a hospital, but he couldn't say the extent of the injuries.
Neighbors said it's devastating to hear, and they sent their sympathy to the family.
"I hope they come out to be alright," one neighbor said.
Irvin said he remains hopeful his daughter will survive.