The solidarity of strangers and the power of the internet to do good
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Imagine the level of chaos and panic necessary for a family moving within a desperate crowd to lose track of their 8-month-old baby.
That was what happened last night as crowds rushed to get away from the jihadist terrorist who plowed his truck through the standing crowd in Nice, who had just enjoyed a fireworks display in celebration of Bastille Day.
On social media the plea went out: “Little boy lost in the crowd! Blue buggy! Please spread the word!” Help was begged, along with a photo of the missing baby.
It was one of so many shattering messages coming through social media boards as people sought information about missing relatives after the massacre on the Promenade des Anglais – the pristine boulevard facing the Mediterranean Sea, and a site usually known for relaxation and amusement.
It is good to be able to report something positive, as this plea and this drama ended well. The boy was found unharmed, thanks to a stranger. A young man found the baby, separated from family in the chaos, and took him home, and then went online and saw the message about the baby in the blue buggy.
“FOUND,” he confirmed.
Yohlaine Ramsitera has been reunited with her son, and has thanked everyone – the community of strangers – for their help and support, while noting with sadness the losses suffered by so many, including the parents whose children did not survive the attack, or have been hospitalized.
Translated from the Portuguese
