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Car Tied to 2015 Disappearance Found in Czech Reservoir as DNA Identification Begins

Officials cite unusually low water levels for the chance discovery by military divers near a ferry landing.

Overview

  • Military divers training at the Dolní Vltavice ferry landing located a submerged Citroën BX with Austrian plate UU-883 DP roughly 20 meters from shore in the Lipno/Moldaustausee.
  • Human remains of two people were recovered from the vehicle, and an autopsy was conducted Friday morning in České Budějovice, with results expected next week according to Austrian police.
  • Authorities say it is reasonable to assume the remains are those of Andreas Leitner and Maximilian Baumgartner, though formal identification awaits DNA analysis.
  • Austrian and Czech police have secured the car and remains and are conducting coordinated forensic and criminal-technical examinations.
  • Investigators have not ruled out either an accident or foul play and will assess skeletal evidence and any materials in the vehicle that could explain how it entered the reservoir.