A missing 3-year-old boy found three days later in an Australian forest: “It’s a miracle,” says his father.

Canberra, Australia-The infant was found three days after disappearing in the Australian Outback, officials confirmed Monday.

New South Wales (NSW) police disappeared shortly before 12:30 pm on Friday from family property in the rural area of ​​Putty, where three-year-old Anthony “AJ” El Farak was last seen. I responded to the report.

According to CNN affiliate Seven News, AJ is autistic and non-verbal.

When he was not found, officers organized extensive search activities with the help of local governments such as the New South Wales Ambulance, State Emergency Services, Local Fire Department, and Volunteer Rescue Association.

They were also helped by hundreds of paramedic volunteers.

Around 11:30 am on Monday, after a lengthy search, aviation support service PolAir was able to discover AJ and guide the ground search team to him.

“A three-year-old child who has been missing in rural real estate in the Hunter Region since Friday was found as a result of a large search,” New South Wales police said in a Twitter post on Monday. The post also included a video of AJ drinking water on a nearby riverbank.

The toddler then reunited with his family, New South Wales police confirmed.

Diaper rash and ant bite

“It’s a miracle. He’s alive. It’s amazing,” AJ’s father, Anthony Elfarak, told the media, Seven News reported.

“I was in the bush for four days, I’m not sleeping,” he added.

His son suffered from diaper rash and ant bites and fell, he said.

Family friend Alan Hashem told Seven News that he felt “incredible” about the discovery of AJ.

“But we still need to know what happened and we need an answer,” Hashem said. “How did he leave? Who did he leave with? Did something ominous happen?

“I won’t stop until I find the truth,” Hashem added. “Thanks to all the Australians who were praying for the miracle to come true.”

“He is a small survivor”

AJ was found in Australian bushes, a relentless environment known for its rugged terrain and dense forests.

New South Wales Police Force Tracy Chapman said at a news conference that he felt “relieved” when he was there.

“Obviously three days later, I’m desperate to find him and desperate to get such a result, so it’s certainly good news to be here today,” Chapman said. ..

“I think being very close to () water could have given him a chance to survive,” she added.

Paramedic Gerry Pyke of the New South Wales ambulance told reporters that he was in a “prominent” state when AJ was discovered.

“He survived a bit,” Pike added. “He was very, very grateful, you could see it in his eyes.”

Mr Pike said the AJ was taken to a nearby hospital as a “precautionary” measure.

“Our family is back together again, and we are grateful to everyone who has helped us in some way over the last three days,” the boy’s family said in a statement.

“Thanks to the NSW police, rescue services, volunteers, community members, friends and family for their tireless efforts to find AJ,” they added. “AJ is okay. Bring your child closer.”

A missing 3-year-old boy found three days later in an Australian forest: “It’s a miracle,” says his father.

Source link A missing 3-year-old boy found three days later in an Australian forest: “It’s a miracle,” says his father.

The post A missing 3-year-old boy found three days later in an Australian forest: “It’s a miracle,” says his father. appeared first on Illinois News Today.