Boy in France rescued after nearly two years locked in van

A 9-year-old boy was found this week after reportedly living locked in his father's van since 2024; he is hospitalized and his father has been detained.

A 9-year-old boy was found this week in eastern France after being reportedly kept in his father's utility van since 2024. Police say a neighbor alerted them to sounds coming from the vehicle and officers forced it open, according to the local prosecutor's office. The child was hospitalized and the father was detained as authorities opened an inquiry. Known details: - The discovery occurred in the village of Hagenbach near the Swiss and German borders after a neighbor reported noises coming from a van. - Officials reported the child had reportedly been kept in the vehicle since November 2024 and was found in poor condition; he was taken to hospital. - The father was placed in custody on preliminary kidnapping and other charges; the father's partner faces preliminary charges and was released under judicial supervision, and authorities say an investigation is ongoing. Summary: The child is hospitalized and other children from the household have been placed in the care of social services. Authorities have opened a criminal investigation and say further procedures are ongoing; additional details are undetermined at this time.