In Sochi, five children reported missing on March 31 were found alive and healthy after spending the night in an abandoned car. The information came from the regional directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and was relayed by Rise edition. The authorities confirmed that no unlawful actions were taken against the children and that they were located unharmed. The investigation continues to determine why the youngsters left home in the first place and to clarify all surrounding circumstances.
The children, aged 8 to 13, had set out for a walk and did not return home the same day. Family members conducted their own search during daylight hours before reporting the situation to law enforcement. Earlier in the day, a group of boys had been observed at the pool area near the Avrora Hotel, which briefly drew attention to the case as investigators reviewed lines of inquiry.
City authorities reported that about 70 people participated in the search, including Cossacks, rescuers, and volunteers. The Prosecutor’s Office noted that four of the missing youths had been registered at school due to unauthorized departure and absenteeism without a valid reason, which is being considered in the broader review of the incident.
In related, previously reported news, a separate incident in the Nizhny Novgorod region involved a man who bought tin cans from a taxi driver and then set fire to a nightclub. While not connected to the Sochi case, officials are compiling a broad picture of public safety concerns in the region.