Nearly 80 children were briefly reported missing during a festive concert in Atyrau, Kazakhstan, sparking concern among families and authorities at a major public celebration.

The incident occurred during a large-scale event marking Nauryz at the central Isatay-Makhambet Square, where crowds had gathered in large numbers. According to police, a total of 78 children became separated from their parents amid the festivities, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Authorities responded swiftly, managing to locate and reunite most of the children with their families in under an hour. One teenager took longer to find, with officers searching for nearly three hours before successfully reuniting them with relatives.

In one notable case, a 7-year-old child who lost sight of his parents attempted to make his way to his mother’s workplace. Using city surveillance systems, officers tracked his movements and safely returned him home.

Officials emphasized that all missing children were found and safely handed back to their guardians.

Following the incident, police urged citizens across Kazakhstan to remain vigilant during large public gatherings and to closely supervise children in crowded areas.