The family of a rescued child in Yambol had been living in severe deprivation, with investigators later establishing that the apartment had no electricity or running water. The case has raised wider questions about institutional oversight and how such conditions went unnoticed.

Further reading: Child Left Alone on 8th Floor: Dramatic Rescue in Yambol Ends Without Tragedy (VIDEO)

The situation came to light after a dramatic rescue operation involving a 3-year-old boy who had ended up hanging from a balcony on the eighth floor. Police officers, assisted by a local resident, managed to intervene in time and prevent a fatal outcome. The Interior Ministry later honored the officers involved, along with the civilian who helped during the operation, for their rapid and decisive response.

Further reading: Yambol Case Deepens: Children Left Alone Before Balcony Horror

Following the incident, it emerged that the family had been living in the apartment since November but had largely avoided contact with neighbors. Residents in the building said they were barely aware of the household’s presence, with some reporting that they rarely saw the adults and had not even known there were two children in the home. Neighbors also described hearing crying from the apartment rather than normal signs of family life.

According to the building manager, the household had not paid maintenance fees and had no electricity or water supply. He said the family appeared isolated, with minimal interaction with others in the block, and that their living conditions were unknown to the wider community.

A nearby shop assistant said the family had only visited once, around Christmas Eve, when they reportedly asked for basic assistance and purchased inexpensive items. She also noted that they appeared to lack sufficient funds and sought help for essential needs.

The rescue itself was described by a witness from an adjacent balcony as highly dangerous and urgent, with police officers and a civilian acting quickly to secure the child. The witness recalled that the child was in immediate danger and that there was no time for hesitation during the operation.

Officials from the Interior Ministry stressed that cooperation between citizens and institutions was crucial in such cases, describing public trust as essential for effective response. While the child was saved, the incident has highlighted serious concerns about living conditions and the effectiveness of social monitoring systems, which are now expected to face further scrutiny.

Source: BNT