Two Moriah students missing near Mudgee located following huge search
Two children reported missing in NSW’s central west after they went for a walk and never came back have been found in bushland by a Polair chopper.
Eli and Hannah Jones
Following an extensive search involving police dogs, paramedics, Rural Fire Service volunteers, rescue choppers and more, Eli and Hannah Jones, aged 14 and 12, were spotted by PolAir about midday on Tuesday.
The pair spent almost 24 hours lost in bushland property in Kains Flat – about 35 kilometres northeast of Mudgee – and were reunited with family after being assessed by paramedics.
The children’s mother Elana had messaged: “I need people to come and help search. Please I’m desperate. If you can rally people. It’s a 4.5hr drive from Sydney.
The family had been on a camping holiday.
They had gone for a walk about 2:30pm but had not returned, police were told when emergency services were called on Monday evening.
Moriah College wrote to parents of the school many of which had heard through the news and the grapevine many of whom were prepared to join the search and it is rumoured hundreds left Sydney for Mudgee.
She told J-Wire: “I am hugely relieved that Eli and Hannah have been found safe and well and grateful for the very supportive Moriah Family, especially the many parents who left Sydney to join the search.”
In a further letter to the “Moriah Family” Roberta reported: “They are reported to be well, with only minor cuts and abrasions. Thank you to the entire Moriah and the wider community for the outpouring of love and support. There were hundreds of volunteers heading towards Mudgee to assist with the search and hundreds more joining Tehillim groups to pray for the children’s safe return.”
The NSW Police reported: At 5.45pm yesterday (Monday), emergency services were called to White Cedars Road, Kains Flat – about 35km north-east of Mudgee – following reports of two children were missing.
Officers attached to Orana Mid-Western Police District were told the children – a 14-year-old boy and 12-year-old girl – had left for a walk at about 2.30pm and had not returned.
A large multi-agency response was commenced, with assistance from specialist officers from Police Rescue, PolAir and the Dog and Mounted Unit.
Police were also assisted by NSW Ambulance, NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire & Rescue NSW, NSW Volunteer Rescue Association, State Emergency Service NSW, and the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service.
Following an extensive search, the two children were located by PolAir in bushland about midday today (Tuesday).
They are currently being escorted from bushland and will be reunited with family after being assessed by paramedics.
Police would like to thank the media and the community for their assistance.
After being reunited with their children, the parents announced: “Our family would like to give our deepest thanks to emergency services and volunteers for assisting in the safe recovery of our children.
We also extend a special thank you to the community from both Mudgee and Sydney.
While we are grateful for the assistance provided by the community and media, we respectfully request privacy at this time.”
Watch the video of the rescue https://www.jwire.com.au/from-the-nsw-police-chopper-finding-eli-and-hannah/
