Thirteen-Year-Old with Down Syndrome Missing: Extensive Search in Progress
On the third day since the disappearance of a 13-year-old child with Down syndrome, divers are scouring reservoirs near the village of Konaре in their ongoing search. The extensive operation involves drones, specialized equipment, police from across the country, and hundreds of volunteers, but there are still no traces of the missing child.
The investigation, led by Chief Inspector Andrean Aврамов of the Kazanluk Regional Police Directorate, is exploring multiple possibilities, including voluntary disappearance, abduction, or a serious criminal offense. "We’re working on all possible scenarios – whether the child has gonemissing voluntarily, has been abducted, or is a victim of a crime. These are the main scenarios we’re investigating," he revealed, adding that around 200 personnel are involved in the search efforts.
The parental interview was conducted using a lie detector, but Inspector Aврамов refrained from sharing detailed results due to the ongoing investigation. He emphasized, "Their accounts suggest that the child may have simply walked out of the house and likely got lost."
Specialist in search and security, Dr. Milen Ivanov, shed light on the challenges posed by such cases. "Two days is a critical period for a child of this age, especially one with such a genetic anomaly, to survive outdoors," he explained. Children with Down syndrome often struggle with spatial orientation, making it unlikely that they would venture out voluntarily, he added.
Ivanov drew parallels with the ‘Saško’ case, another child with navigation difficulties who disappeared before being found nine days later. However, Ivanov offered a somber assessment, "Two nights in sub-zero temperatures mean hypothermia, and unfortunately, a likely fatal outcome."
Tomorrow, the search will continue and expand to cover a broader area surrounding the village. Every effort is being made to ensure a positive resolution to this heart-wrenching incident.
