AJ Elfalak, a missing child, was found after three days of searching in the Australian jungle

by

New South Wales (NSW) police responded to reports Friday just before 12.30pm that three-year-old Anthony “AJ” Elfalak had disappeared from his family’s property in rural Putty, where he was last seen.

AJ is autistic and nonverbal, according to CNN affiliate Seven News.

When it could not be found, officers organized an extensive search operation with the help of local authorities, including NSW ambulances, the State Emergency Service, the Rural Fire Service and the Association. of Rescue Volunteers.

They were also helped by hundreds of emergency service volunteers.

At around 11.30am on Monday, after a lengthy search, the PolAir aviation support service detected AJ and was able to direct him towards ground search teams.

“A three-year-old boy who has been missing on a rural property in the Hunter region since Friday has been located after a large-scale search,” NSW police said in a Twitter post Monday. The message also included a video of AJ’s drinking water on the banks of the nearby river.

The boy has since reunited with his family, NSW police confirmed.

Diaper rash and ant bites

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

“I’ve been in the bush for four days, I haven’t slept,” he added.

He said his son was suffering from diaper rashes and ant bites and that he had fallen.

Alan Hashem, a family friend, told Seven News that it felt “amazing” that AJ had been located.

“But we still have to find out what happened, we need answers,” Hashem said. “How did he go? Who did he go with? Did something sinister happen?

“We will not stop until we find the truth,” Hashem added. “Thank you to all the Australians who prayed, for the miracles come true.”

“He’s a little survivor”

AJ found himself in the Australian scrub, an unforgivable setting known for its steep terrain and dense forests.

NSW Police Superintendent Tracy Chapman said at a news conference that she felt “relief” when she was located.

“Viouslybviament, after three days, you know, desperate to find it, desperate to get a result like this, so for sure being here today is good news,” Chapman said.

“I think (being) so close to the water is potentially what gave you this chance to survive,” he added.

AJ’s parents hug after hearing that their son had been found alive.

Paramedic Gerry Pyke of NSW Ambulance told reporters that AJ was in a “remarkable” condition when he was found.

“He’s a little survivor,” Pyke added. “He was very, very grateful. You could see it in his eyes.”

Pyke said AJ had been taken to a nearby hospital as a precautionary measure.

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

“Thanks to NSW police, rescue services, volunteers, community members, friends and family who have worked tirelessly to find AJ,” they added. “AJ is fine. Keep your kids close.”

.Source