Romanian boy Alexandru rescued after two nights lost in Sibiu forest

A five‑year‑old boy named Alexandru went missing near Sebeșu de Jos in Sibiu County and was found after two nights alone in the forest. A large‑scale search involving police, gendarmes, mountain‑rescue teams and hundreds of volunteers located him on 19 May. He was brought to the Pediatric Hospital in Sibiu where doctors said he was dehydrated, suffering from interstitial pneumonia and multiple tick bites. He remains stable, cooperative and is being closely monitored.

Alexandru’s father explained that the child likely survived by instinct, finding a sheltered spot and drinking water from a puddle: “Mă gândesc că asta l‑a ajutat, din ce s‑a hidratat, din ploaie…” A former hunter added that the boy probably curled up in a safe niche and that the weather helped his survival. Psychologists noted that children at his age may cope better with fear than adults. The family reports that the boy is cheerful and eager to return home, while medical staff continue his treatment and hydration.