Urgent Search Underway for Missing Six-Year-Old Boy in Weilburg

Weilburg, Hessen - The community is in turmoil as over 600 emergency responders are currently engaged in a large-scale search for a six-year-old boy named Pawlos, who has been reported missing since Tuesday afternoon. The young boy, who has autism, disappeared after leaving school, prompting an extensive search effort that has captured the attention of the entire city.

In a heartfelt appeal, Pawlos' mother addressed her son through a loudspeaker on a fire department vehicle, urging him to come out of hiding. The emotional message was conveyed in his native Eritrean language, expressing deep concern and love. Alongside her words, one of Pawlos' favorite children's songs was played to comfort him.

The mayor of Weilburg, Dr. Johannes Hanisch, expressed his commitment to leaving no stone unturned in the search for Pawlos, thanking the community for their overwhelming support. He urged residents to check their gardens, basements, and other nooks where the boy might seek refuge. There is a possibility that Pawlos could have wandered into nearby streets or found shelter in local offices.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing Pawlos near the Weilburg train station shortly after he left school, raising concerns that he may have taken a bus or train out of the area. Consequently, certain train routes have been temporarily closed, and search operations have been conducted in a tunnel near Löhnberg.

The search efforts continued throughout the night, involving police, firefighters, and volunteers from the Technical Relief Organization (THW). They utilized helicopters, boats, and specially trained dogs to comb fields and waterways for any signs of the missing child. The search efforts are set to resume today with the inclusion of aerial units and mounted police.

During a briefing on Wednesday morning, police spokesperson Carsten Werner stated that the search operation would cover the entire Weilburg area, including public buildings and basements that were open at the time of Pawlos' disappearance. Authorities believe that the boy may have hidden somewhere out of fear.

The community remains hopeful, with many believing that Pawlos might be safe in a warm place, as the temperature during the previous night dropped to around six degrees Celsius. The mayor described Pawlos as adventurous and fond of climbing and water, which has led to an intensified search near the Lahn River.

Pawlos is described as having dark skin and hair, and at the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a striped sweater and gray jeans. The entire town, home to approximately 13,000 residents, is rallying together in hopes of finding the boy soon.

At this stage, law enforcement is not treating the case as a criminal incident. Anyone with information about Pawlos is encouraged to contact the Criminal Investigation Department in Limburg or any local police station.