Missing for 5 hours

Boy (2) found in Vienna after search operation

After a five-hour search, the child was found safe and sound and not too far from where he had disappeared.

(Bild: dpa-Zentralbild/Matthias Hiekel)

A large-scale search operation for a two-year-old boy has been underway in Vienna-Döbling since early Thursday evening. He had disappeared from a children's playground Am Himmel, a popular excursion destination in the area of Höhenstraße and Himmelstraße. The redemptive news came around midnight: the boy was found with the help of private helpers and is safe and sound.

"The search has been going on since around 6.30 pm. Numerous forces are involved," the spokesperson initially reported on Thursday evening. The two-year-old, who had been visiting the playground with his mother, was believed to be in an adjacent wooded area.

Threats and helicopter in action
The riot unit and service dog unit were deployed. Helicopters and drones were used to keep an eye out from the air. They were joined by numerous police officers from surrounding stations. The emergency services were prepared to search for the child "all night if necessary".

The playground from which the child had suddenly disappeared is not far from the Lebensbaumkreis.

(Bild: APA/KURATORIUM WALD)

Numerous private helpers flocked to
After more than five hours, the all-clear was given: The police and an ever-increasing number of helpers, who had flocked to the recreation area following a private appeal to take part in the search, finally tracked down the two-year-old. The runaway was handed over to his parents.