Authorities in Orange, a town in the Vaucluse department of southeastern France, are investigating the discovery of five deceased newborns at a couple's residence. The remains were found in cardboard boxes within the home, leading to an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
The incident came to light after the woman, aged 32, gave birth to a healthy baby at home. Her partner, unaware of the pregnancy, took her to the hospital due to abdominal pain. Upon returning home, he searched through several boxes and discovered a decomposed infant's body, which he brought to the hospital.
Subsequent searches by authorities uncovered the remains of four other infants, all in varying states of decomposition. The couple, who already have two children aged eight and twelve, have been described as leading a quiet life. The woman remains hospitalized and has not been taken into custody.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities aiming to determine the causes and circumstances of the deaths. Autopsies are planned to establish the dates and causes of death. The case has drawn comparisons to previous incidents in France, including a notable case in 2015 where a woman was convicted for the deaths of eight newborns.
The community remains in shock over the discovery, and the investigation continues to unfold.