Moldova: Missing toddler found dead in backyard drain
UPDATE: A 1-year-9-month-old boy, who was reported missing on Tuesday evening, has been found dead in a drainage system in his family's backyard, police announced.
INITIAL REPORT: A 1-year-9-month-old boy went missing on Tuesday evening from Step-Soci village in Orhei district. Police were alerted around 10:30 PM by the child's brother, who stated the toddler had left the yard and wandered off in an unknown direction.
Overnight, police officers, along with teams from the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU) and local residents, conducted searches in the surrounding area. Search operations are ongoing, supported by drones, police dogs, and multiple intervention teams. Some law enforcement personnel are carefully re-checking the child's home yard.
The minor was wearing a grey t-shirt, was barefoot, and was wearing a diaper at the time of his disappearance. He has blonde hair and black eyes.
Authorities are appealing to the public to immediately report any information that could help find the child by calling 112.
"This is a very young, vulnerable child in real danger. Every minute is crucial," the police statement read.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
