Malnourished 9-Year-Old Boy Rescued After Two Years Trapped in Van in France A malnourished 9-year-old boy was discovered lying in a fetal position inside his father’s utility van in eastern France on April 11, 2026, after being locked inside the vehicle for nearly two years. The boy, who had not showered since 2024, was found by local authorities in the village of Hagenbach, near the borders of Switzerland and Germany, following reports of a child’s cries emanating from the van. Officers forced open the vehicle to uncover the boy, who was described as naked, covered in a blanket, and surrounded by trash and excrement. The boy’s father, who has been charged with kidnapping, allegedly locked his son in the van in November 2024 to protect him from his partner, who reportedly wanted to send the child to a psychiatric hospital. However, prosecutors stated there was no medical evidence to support the claim that the boy had psychiatric issues, and he had maintained good academic performance in school. When the boy disappeared, his teachers were informed he had transferred to another school, leading his family and friends to believe he was in a psychiatric facility. The boy’s 12-year-old sister and the 10-year-old daughter of the father’s partner are currently under the care of social services. The father’s partner, who denied knowledge of the boy’s confinement, has also been charged with failing to assist a minor in danger. The boy was subsequently hospitalized for treatment. Authorities noted that the boy had not eaten or showered for over a year, with his father claiming he had no choice but to lock him in the van. The child reportedly told investigators he had struggled with his father’s partner and believed his father had acted to protect him.#father #malnourished_boy #hagenbach #social_services #child_welfare
