A nine-year-old boy in Argentina narrowly escaped death after a crucifix necklace stopped a stray bullet from hitting his chest. His family has described the moment as a miracle.
The boy, Tiziano, was playing outside his home in Las Talitas on New Year’s Eve. He was celebrating with his family and playing with his sister and cousin when the incident happened.
Tiziano suddenly felt a sharp pain in his chest and looked down to see a bullet on the ground beside him. A stray shot had been fired nearby, but instead of entering his body, it struck the crucifix hanging around his neck.
Doctors confirm he avoided serious injury
His family rushed him to hospital, where doctors quickly examined him. At Baby Jesus Hospital, medics found he had only suffered a superficial wound.
Doctors treated him within an hour and discharged him soon after. They confirmed the bullet had not penetrated his chest.
After returning home, Tiziano’s aunt made a chilling discovery. She found his crucifix necklace on the ground.
The silver cross, a gift from his father David, 36, had a clear hole through the centre. That was where the bullet had struck.
Tiziano later said he did not realise the crucifix had saved his life until he saw the damaged necklace.
‘For us it is a miracle’
His mother, Alejandra, said she believes her son received divine protection. She described him as a blessing to their family.
She said: “He is here thank God. For us it is a miracle.
“We took him to church, he talked to the Father, He told him that he has been blessed. Anything could have happened to him. For us it is a miracle.”
Local media have since labelled the incident a “New Year’s Miracle.” Many people shared the story widely online.
Police search for who fired the shot
Police have launched an investigation and are working to identify who fired the bullet. Officers confirmed the details in an official statement.
They said: “The event took place around 10pm on December 31 2020.
“A 9-year-old boy named Tiziano, from the neighborhood of Las Talitas, checked in with his father into the ER of the Baby Jesus Hospital in the southern part of the capital city with a superficial wound in the thorax, produced by a firearm.
“After being checked thoroughly by several doctors on staff for 48 minutes, the boy was released.”
For Tiziano’s family, a night that could have ended in tragedy instead became a moment of gratitude they say they will never forget.
Featured image credit: YouTube/ El Ocho
