9-Year-Old Boy Rescued After Being Locked in Van for Over a Year

Apr 11, 2026

60 min

Apr 11, 2026 12:31

Boy, 9, found locked in van for over a year, severely malnourished

## Child Found in Distressing Conditions

A 9-year-old boy was discovered in a severely malnourished state after being confined in his father's van for more than a year in Hagenbach, eastern France. The boy, who had been living in the van since 2024, was unable to walk due to prolonged confinement.

## Rescue and Investigation

Authorities were alerted by a neighbor who heard noises from the van. Upon investigation, police found the child in a fetal position, naked, and surrounded by trash. The boy's father claimed he locked the child in the van to "protect him" from being sent to a psychiatric hospital by his partner.

## Legal Actions and Family Situation

The father has been detained on preliminary kidnapping charges. His partner, who denied knowing the boy was in the van, faces charges for failing to assist a minor in danger. The boy's sister and the partner's daughter have been placed under social services' care.

## Community Reaction

The local community expressed shock at the incident, with many unaware of the boy's situation. The prosecutor's office is investigating if others were aware of the boy's confinement, as family and friends believed he was in a psychiatric facility.

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