Missing 86-Year-Old Belgian Man Found Alive After Two-Day Search

"I went to his house on Sunday, and after my departure, his neighbor saw him leave his home," his daughter had explained on Monday, while the search was in full swing. She specified that after leaving, her father "went to a small store, where he bought a pack of cigarettes. He did not go to the bus stop, as was his habit." The concern was high because Mr. El Azaoui, who only speaks Arabic, suffers from health problems and "also walks with the help of a cane," according to his daughter. He also had skin depigmentation on his hands and neck, and was wearing, at the time of his disappearance, a plaid shirt, blue velvet pants, a black cap and dark shoes.

The family had immediately alerted the authorities. "The police were notified [...] We were heard by the police on Sunday," his daughter confirmed on Monday. In parallel with the official procedures, the relatives had mobilized tirelessly. "We searched all night [from Sunday to Monday] in Farciennes, Châtelineau, Gilly... and even Charleroi. We retraced his usual route, but we did not find him!" she recounted. An official search notice had been issued by the police at the request of the Charleroi prosecutor’s office.

On Monday, significant search resources were visible. "A helicopter was mobilized, tracking dogs," said Mr. El Azaoui’s son-in-law, adding that the surveillance camera images were to be analyzed. These efforts finally paid off on Tuesday, when the octogenarian was located by a canine brigade agent and his dog. He was in the undergrowth, near a disused building, not far from his home.

Conscious upon discovery, after more than 36 hours spent outside, El Miloud El Azaoui was transported to a hospital to receive care and undergo check-up examinations.