Boy buried in sand at Michigan park after hole collapses

A 12-year-old boy is hospitalized after being buried under sand in a Michigan park.

The victim and his 8-year-old brother were digging holes and burying themselves in the dunes at Silver Lake State Park in Mears, Michigan, on Sunday, according to the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office. One of the holes, about 5 feet deep, collapsed on the 12-year-old boy.

“The brother who witnessed what had just happened screamed for help, and the parents present immediately began calling for help and digging,” the sheriff’s office said.

Deputies with the Oceana Sheriff’s Office received the alert around 7 p.m. A Golden Township deputy, who was on scene, responded within two minutes.

More:7-year-old girl dies after hole in sand collapses on Florida beach

Child ‘not visible’ as officials, bystanders worked to save him

Upon arrival, the officer saw the family trying to get the child out, but he was “not visible,” the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office said. First responders – including firefighters and emergency services – and bystanders worked together to extract him from the sand.

Lt. Shane Hasty told WZZM the boy was submerged for about 14 minutes.

When the child was removed, he was unresponsive and not breathing. Authorities treated him at the scene. As of Monday, the boy has been receiving treatment at DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, according to the sheriff’s office.

“We hope this young man makes a full recovery and will be able to play with his brother again soon,” the sheriff’s office said. “We are very grateful for our partnership with all of the agencies that responded.”

7-year-old dies in sand incident on Florida beach

Earlier this year, a 7-year-old girl died after a hole she and her brother were digging on the beach collapsed. The incident happened in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea in February.

The girl was buried, while her brother was buried up to his chest. Both children were taken to hospital, but the girl did not survive.