A missing 3-year-old boy has been found safe after authorities say he spent several days alone in the Australian woods.
“It’s a miracle,” his father, Anthony Elfalak, told a group of reporters after he and his wife, Kelly Elfalak, were reunited with their toddler son, theAssociated Pressreported.
Police immediately launched a search, with hundreds of emergency service volunteers and other agencies pitching in to help, including NSW Ambulance, State Emergency Service, Rural Fire Service and the Volunteer Rescue Association.
The NSW Police said officers also utilized their trail bike officers, Dog and Mounted Unit, divers and helicopter teams to help find the boy.
Speaking to reporters after the rescue, Simon Merrick, the chief inspector of NSW State Emergency, said the first team member who reached AJ “found him kneeling in the river bed.”
Merrick added that AJ’s “massive smile” was one that the officer who approached him “will not forget,” according to the AP.
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“[He’s] a little survivor,” paramedic Gerry Pyke, who examined AJ, told the outlet. “Little AJ’s condition was quite remarkable. He was very, very thankful. I could see that in his eyes.”
As news of his survival spread, AJ’s family members excitedly celebrated, telling9Newsthat they “never gave up” hope that the young boy was alive.
After being evaluated and reunited with his parents, AJ fell asleep in the ambulance, the AP reported.
“He’s just clinging to mum,” Anthony told reporters, according to the AP. “As soon as he heard his mum, he opened his eyes and looked at her and fell asleep.”
Pyke added that the boy later woke up hungry, joking that he got “into about three slices of pizza and a banana so he’s pretty good.”
Chapman also noted that AJ’s ability to find drinking water was considered a major reason as to why he survived and did not suffer dehydration after three days.
source: people.com
