Hundreds of people have gathered for the funeral of young boy in Morrocco who died after being trapped inside a well for five days.
Rescuers struggled to reach five-year-old Rayan Awram during the operation in the village of Ighran, which drew attention from all over the world.
The child was pulled out of the 105ft-deep hole on Saturday after falling in on Tuesday night.
His body was transferred in a helicopter to a military hospital in the capital, and at the time, two government officials said he had died before rescuers reached him.
On Monday, Rayan was laid to rest in a plot where other family members are buried, at the hilltop Zawiya cemetery.
Scores of mourners flocked to the site to pay their respects, with a procession of people following his coffin as it was carried up the hill.
Rayan was laid to rest in a plot where other family members are buried. Pic: AP
People observe social distancing as they perform a prayer during his funeral. Pic: AP
Meanwhile, villagers gathered at Rayan’s family home to send their condolences, and guests were served breakfast.
Over the weekend, King of Morocco Mohammed VI issued a statement to the boy’s parents, where he said he had been “instructing officials to use all means necessary to dig the boy out of the well and return him alive.”
Hundreds of mourners gathered for Rayan’s funeral. Pic: AP
He also hailed the rescuers and the community for supporting Rayan’s family.
During the ordeal, thousands expressed their sympathy, with the hashtag #SaveRayan trending on Twitter for hours across the country.
Workers have now started to fill in the massive hole and tunnel that they dug during their rescue attempt.
Read more: Pope Francis praises Morocco for ‘beautiful’ solidarity over boy trapped in well
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