Rayan dead: Heartbroken rescuers pull lifeless body of boy, 5, from 100ft Morocco well where he was trapped for 100hrs

A LITTLE boy who fell down a well has died of his injuries after more than 100 hours entombed in the dark. Morocco’s king confirmed the tragic news tonight that Rayan, five, did not survive after being trapped in a tiny 18-inch space 100ft below ground since midday on Tuesday. A little boy trapped down a well has died, Morocco’s king confirmed tonight ReutersRayan was rescued after more than 100 agonising hours[/caption] AFPHuge crowds gathered at the site where the five-year-old vanished[/caption] But there was devastation as it was confirmed that Rayan, seen as rescuers lowered water and oxygen to him, had died AFPThe astonishing rescue has gripped people across the world[/caption] Rescuers immediately launched an astonishing effort to free him. Officials had warned there was “no certainty” he was still alive – and it was “impossible” to know more until he was freed. It had been tentatively suggested tonight that the boy would live. However, it’s now known that the little lad didn’t make it. Huge cheers went up as Rayan was brought out on a stretcher and put into a waiting ambulance less than half an hour ago. He was then moved into a helicopter waiting at the scene to transport him to a hospital in a larger city. People around the world who have been gripped by the mission immediately celebrated. But their joy was short-lived after the tragedy was revealed. Crews had lowered a camera, oxygen and water down a rope to reach the injured youngster during the rescue. It’s not known if he was able to use them. Heartbreaking photos showed him bleeding at the bottom of the shaft. 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Rescuers formed a human chain between the site and an ambulance to ferry Rayan to safety. The bid to free the boy has been hugely complex and challenging. The lad fell into a space so narrow, no adult rescuer could have reached him. Widening the shaft was deemed too risky in case it collapsed and buried the little one alive. Instead, diggers were brought in to clear earth away. Bulldozers cleared a space 100ft deep before gently clearing a 10ft tunnel horizontally to Rayan. A huge trench has now been created beside the well. However, progress slowed to a snail’s pace as the drill teams worked by hand to avoid any vibrations that might bring the brittle soil down on the stricken child. Experts said there were concerns the layers of rock and sand are unstable and could collapse in on the boy. Engineers have been working at the site to assess the risk of landslip and advise on the best method. Adding to the challenge is the weather. A glacial cold has gripped the mountainous and impoverished region of the Rif, which is at an elevation of about 700m (2,300ft). Speaking today, government official Mustapha Baitas said: “The child’s rescue is approaching. “Our hearts are with the family, and we are praying that he will back with them as soon as possible.” Doctors and a helicopter are on standby to take him to hospital. Rayan went missing while playing in his home village Ighrane in Chefchaouen province on Tuesday afternoon. There were chaotic scenes tonight as Rayan was carried to an ambulance Cheers rang out as he was loaded inside the vehicle and driven away The youngster plunged to the bottom of an 100-foot shaft in Chefchaouen, Morocco AFPThe most dangerous part of the rescue mission began today after fears the well could collapse[/caption] APDiggers cleared enough earth earlier for a smaller tunnel to be dug towards Rayan[/caption] Rayan’s dad was repairing the well at the time of the accident and said he took his eyes off him for just a moment when he fell. “In that one moment I took my eyes off him, the little one fell into the well. I haven’t slept a wink”, he told news site le360. His tearful mum Wassima Kharchich told Moroccan media: “The whole family went out to look for him then we realised that he’d fallen down the well. “I pray and beg God that he comes out of that well alive and safe. Please God, ease my pain and his, in that hole of dust.” The search has gripped the North African country, with #SaveRayan trending on social media. PSG and Morocco footballer Achraf Hakimi posted a broken heart emoji and hands together in prayer. Manchester City’s Algerian star Riyad Mahrez joined the chorus of well wishes, sharing a photo of Rayan on Facebook with the hashtag “Stay Strong”. One volunteer said told reporters: “We’ve been here for three days. “Rayan is a child of our region. We won’t leave until he’s out of the well.” The case has echoes of little Julen Rosello, two, who fell down a 250ft well shaft near Malaga, Spain, in January 2019. Rescuers dug two tunnels in an effort to save him, but finally they found him dead after 13 days. AFPThis afternoon, rescuers said they were just feet away from the lad[/caption] AFPHundreds of people gather around the watch the rescue mission[/caption] AFPRayan’s plight has got a whole nation cheering for his safe return[/caption] AFPWorkmen now need to clear earth to get to Rayan[/caption] Rescuers lowered water and oxygen 100ft down the narrow shaft where he is trapped