A 5-year-old boy who wandered off from his father on Monday has been found unharmed in a forest following a massive search operation, police said.
The lad, Alex, was spotted by police from a helicopter on Wednesday.
“The missing boy, Alexandru, was found safely in the outskirts of Sebeșu de Sus, about 2 km from where he disappeared, around 13:07, with the help of an IGAv helicopter,” the Romanian Police said.
Police said he was unharmed and is in stable condition.
“He was given medical care on the spot and is to be transported to the hospital for medical care,” the Romanian Police said.
“He has no visible injuries, he is conscious and cooperative. The minor, accompanied by his mother, will be transported to the Pediatric Hospital for specialized investigations,” an emergency doctor said.
“About 250 policemen, gendarmes, ISU staff, volunteers, students of the Land Forces Academy, IGAV specialists, Mountain Rescue, policemen from the Sibiu Kennel Club took part in the search.
“We are grateful to all those involved in what we can say was the largest search for a person ever carried out in Sibiu County, and the fact that Alexandru was found, in very good condition, crowns all the efforts made,” the Romanian Police said.
“Hours of searching, emotions and hope. Today, little Alexandru from Sibiu was found safely by colleagues from IGAv. Policemen, gendarmes, firefighters, rescuers, pilots, soldiers, volunteers and ordinary people have demonstrated that when a child is in danger, an entire country mobilizes.”
Respect for all those who did not give up for a moment. Romania has heroes,” the interior ministry said in a post.
Alexandru’s disappearance was reported Monday evening in a call to the emergency services. Local media said his father was repairing a fence while he played nearby.
After his parents failed to find him, authorities issued a RO-ALERT message.
On Tuesday, the number of people involved in the search operation was 450 including police, gendarmes, firefighters, soldiers, mountain rescuers, volunteers, and dogs.
The search and rescue operation resumed on Wednesday morning after a pause of fours hours due to weather conditions.
Thermal imaging drones were used in the search as the area is forested and difficult to access.
