By: Richard L. Smith
The search is expected to resume early this morning for a 10-year-old girl who remains missing after a tragic incident in the Passaic River claimed the life of another child earlier this week.
Authorities spent hours searching the rain-swollen river Thursday using dive teams, boats, drones, and sonar equipment after three children entered the water near Pulaski Park in Passaic on Wednesday evening.
The body of a 10-year-old boy was recovered later that night, while an 11-year-old girl survived.
Search efforts for the missing child have now shifted from a rescue mission to a recovery operation, according to city officials.
Passaic Mayor Hector Lora said officials now believe the mission is focused on recovering the missing girl as dangerous river conditions continue to challenge search crews.
The Passaic River remains swollen from days of heavy rain that caused flooding across North Jersey.
According to previous RLS Media reporting and interviews conducted by ABC7 New York, the children were caught in the river’s powerful current after entering the water near Pulaski Park.
An adult bystander attempted to rescue them but was forced back by the fast-moving water before emergency responders arrived.
As investigators continue piecing together what happened, Mayor Lora said the surviving 11-year-old told authorities her younger brother pushed her toward nearby rocks before he disappeared beneath the water.
Officials believe that act may have helped save her life.
Emergency crews from Passaic, the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, and numerous surrounding agencies are expected to continue searching the river throughout the day.
RLS Media extends its heartfelt condolences to the children’s families and to the entire Passaic community as hopes remain for bringing the missing girl home.