Rescue crews are in a race against time as they prepare to dig a tunnel, in an attempt to rescue a toddler boy who has been trapped in a well for five days.
Associated Press reports that over 100 emergency crew workers, along with firefighters, are trying to get 2-year-old Julen Rosello out of a deep well in Totalan, Spain. The little boy fell into hole around 330-foot-deep on Sunday while out for a picnic with his family.
According to a Reuters report, officials said they thought they would reach Julen by Friday, but the area’s rough terrain has made the task difficult, slowing down rescue efforts to the point where it could take a few more days.
“The terrain’s geology is complicated, and that’s slowing down the works,” lead engineer of the search-and-rescue operation, Angel Garcia said.
The toddler’s parents reportedly told authorities they had “no doubts” that their son fell in the well. DNA hair samples showed “scientific evidence that the minor is there,” according to Malaga province government representative, Maria Gamez.
“It feels like we have been waiting for months,” Julen’s father, Jose Rosello, said on Wednesday. “We are not going to give up … We have the hope that an angel is going to show up for my son to come out alive.”
Washington Post reports that Julen’s parents heard him crying as he fell down the hole, until his voice became distant, and eventually silent. Rescuers sent a small robot into the hole, which retrieved a bag of candy and a cup that Julen had in his hands when he fell, as well as some of the boy’s hair.
Authorities said there is a chance the toddler is still alive if enough oxygen is available.
Julen’s parents lost a child in 2017 when another son, 3 at the time, died due to complications with a congenital heart defect.
The story continues to develop. Check back with CrimeOnline as additional details become available.
[Feature Photo: Julen Rosello/Facebook]
