The small town of Bischoffsheim has been gripped by anxiety since the mysterious disappearance of Alexandre Dousseau, a 43-year-old firefighter from Alsace, who was last heard from on Tuesday 23 January. The gendarmerie and local residents are rallying in a race against time to track him down.
Alexandre, who works as a professional firefighter in Strasbourg and as a volunteer in Bischoffsheim, sent a worrying message to his wife late on Tuesday afternoon; since then, there has been no sign of him. His car was found abandoned near his home.
Firefighters and volunteers launch major search operation
On Wednesday, an unprecedented mobilisation brought together hundreds of people, including many firefighters, friends and colleagues of the missing man, for a large-scale search operation. The latest reports suggest that Alexandre may have been seen near the wooded Bischenberg hill, a spot known for its walking trails and panoramic views of the region.
Described by his loved ones as a sporty man, standing around 1.80 m tall, Alexandre was not known to be going through a difficult period. He is believed to have left his home without any means of payment, wearing a jacket and blue trousers, and carrying his mobile phone.
The Bas-Rhin gendarmerie, stepping up its efforts to solve this case, has appealed for witnesses. Anyone with information that could help locate Alexandre is asked to contact 17 or the Rosheim police station on 03 88 50 40 12.