The State - News from July 15, 1988

A 16-month-old girl burned to death in her parent’s flaming car when she was trapped in her infant seat, authorities said. Najia Nawabi was pronounced dead in the parking lot of a medical center in Castro Valley. Two other Nawabi children, 4 and 2 1/2, escaped injury. They watched in horror as their younger sister perished while two men tried to rescue her. “I tried to pull the seat, but it was stuck,” said Gary Smith of San Leandro. “I pulled harder, but I started to choke on the smoke. The flames completely engulfed the car.” Sheriff’s officials said Noorn and Noor Nawabi of Hayward parked their car in front of the medical center where Noor Nawabi, who is six months pregnant, had an appointment with her physician. Noorn Nawabi stayed in the car with the toddler and the couple’s two sons. The fire broke out after Nawabi left the children alone to check on his wife. The fire is under investigation, officials said.