Authorities end search for 10-year-old boy who fell into uncovered manhole

September 29^th, 2014 (InsideCostaRica.com) After more than a week, authorities have ended their search for 10-year-old Gerardo Vanegas who disappeared after falling into an uncovered manhole on September 21^st.

The boy disappeared around 4:30 p.m. near Alajuelita.  A strong flow of water caused by heavy rains apparently swept the boy away into the sewer system after he fell into the manhole.

Authorities had believed the boy might have been carried to the Tiribí River, where the sewer empties, but more than a week of searching both the river as well as several dams and other areas produced no signs of the boy.

Manhole covers are often stolen by thieves who sell them to recyclers as scrap metal.