Toddler rescued after getting locked inside car

Mohali: Dramatic footage of bystanders’ smashing a car window to free a trapped toddler has gone viral on social media, prompting urgent warnings about the hidden dangers of modern central-locking systems.

It took a frantic hot Friday afternoon operation in a Kharar marketplace to pull the 18-month-old boy to safety unharmed after 30 minutes. The family had left the child briefly inside the car while they shopped for groceries.

While alone, the boy pressed a button on the console, engaging the central locking system and trapping himself inside. When the family returned, they were unable to open the doors or lower the windows.

A large crowd gathered on the scene, attempting various methods to unlock the vehicle without causing damage as panic spread. After 30 minutes of failed attempts, the family broke one of the windows to extricate the boy.

A video of the rescue, filmed by a witness, has since gained traction on Instagram. In the footage, the bystander warns parents about the dangers of leaving young children unattended in vehicles.

Local police claimed to have received no formal complaints or reports of any injuries.