Rescue operations continue for 10-year-old Ayoub in Algeria's El Bayadh Province after he fell into a deep, dry artesian well.
Algerian Civil Defense teams are working on drilling a parallel well to reach the boy's level, planning to create a horizontal passage due to the narrowness and risk of soil collapse.
Rescuers have successfully descended to the bottom of the parallel well and began careful horizontal drilling.
The operation involves specialized teams, heavy machinery, and well exploration equipment, with medical staff and an ambulance on standby for Ayoub's retrieval.
On its fourth day, rescuers face a sensitive phase, with widespread hope Ayoub will be saved.
The incident began when Ayoub fell into a narrow, deep well, approximately 80 meters deep and only 40 centimeters wide. The well's condition and fragile soil complicate direct access.
Teams work in highly complex conditions, requiring path reinforcement to prevent further complications or danger.
Amidst heightened public attention, Ayoub's family anxiously awaits outside, with the incident captivating national attention and dominating social media.
Echoing Morocco's 2022 incident involving a boy named Rayan, Algeria's rescuers work tirelessly, hoping Ayoub's story ends differently, returning safely to his family’s embrace.
Ayoub's father recounted to local media the incident, depicting the tragic turn when Ayoub fell while fetching water. The father responded immediately upon hearing the news, finding the wooden well cover broken and Ayoub calling for help.
The father contacted civil defense, who swiftly arrived, attempting to communicate encouragement to the boy. Rescuers sent Ayoub a flashlight; however, communication has since been lost.