Two 16‑year‑old Poles who disappeared from their hometown of Koluszki on 9 October were found safe in Austria on 24 October, a police search of two weeks.
Teenagers found in Austria
Joanna C. and Karol S., both 16, vanished after leaving their homes in Koluszki, Łódź Voivodeship, on the morning of 9 October. Local police began a search on 10 October and, on 24 October, announced that the pair were located in Austria. The children were unharmed; they were flown back to Poland where they were reunited with their parents.
Police thank families and community
Acting Police Commissioner Aneta Kotynia thanked those who shared information and cooperated with the investigation. She confirmed that no prohibited acts were committed against the missing youths during the operation. “Thank you to everyone for your support, sharing our updates, and collaboration,” read the post on Facebook.
Unverified reports on the youths’ whereabouts
The police urged people who had posted the search message to delete it because it contained images of the teens protected after their recovery. Aneta Kotynia noted that the search had extended beyond Poland, with surveillance records indicating the teenagers had been in Czech Republic before moving to Austria.
International coordination of the search
The International Police Cooperation Office at the Police Headquarters coordinated the operation. In addition to Czech authorities, the search also focused on Austria, where the teens were eventually located.
