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Subscribe to RSSThe 12-year-old, who has not been identified, was not breathing when he was pulled out of the sand late Tuesday afternoon, officials said. Lifeguards administered CPR on him, and he was taken to Monmouth Medical Center where he was placed in pediatric intensive care unit.
For more visit NBCNewYork.com.
Witnesses at the beach said blood was coming out of the boy's nose when lifeguards were working on him.
Someone screamed for help from lifeguards, who were just 15 feet away, said Roebuck. The boy was pulled out, and lifeguards performed CPR on him as they waited for paramedics.
A beachgoer from Staten Island, N.Y., said the boy wasn't moving.
"They were pumping him, pressing on his stomach, trying to bring him back," she said. "They kept trying to revive him, pressing, pressing. There was blood coming out of his nose... He didn't move."
Sources said the tunnel was deep, and the weight of all the sand on the boy's chest made it impossible for him to breathe.
The boy was rushed to Monmouth Medical Center, where he was taken to the pediatric intensive care unit.
The boy is from Oakhurst, sources said, but his name is being withheld.
Authorities said a fire truck responding to the scene hit a man holding his infant son. The truck hit the pair as it pulled into Ocean Place near the beach, knocking them both to the ground.
Both were taken to the Jersey Shore Medical Center. The father suffered some broken limbs. The baby was injured but not severely.
The firefighter driving the truck was working his last shift before his retirement, officials said.
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Let us all pray for that poor child's recovery.
I can't believe there was not one adult, who noticed what was going on, who was was not smart enough to say to the parents, or the kid, "that is VERY dangerous".
Yes, there are times to mind your own business, but times where you are just being a good citizen.
I agree.... there has been SO MUCH coverage lately about the dangers of sand caving in and kids being crushed or suffocated !! Where was mom and why was this allowed ?!?!?!?! I'm praying for that child and the father and infant who were innocent bystanders...
Wtf? Tunnell collapses on boy. Man and infant child hit by fire truck responding, driven by fireman with one day until retirement. Maybe everyone in that town should have stayed home that day. I hope everyone recovers and thoughts and prayers will be with them.
I've dug a lot of tunnels at the beach, but how deep was this friggin tunnel?!!!!!!!!!
Danny Glover can not catch a break.
Just another day at the beach.
Right, Spellchecker. Was this Fri the 13th?
Usually when I try to help people like this they angrily tell me to mind my own business.
Wakehead you hit that right on the head.
Tina McManus, diging tunnels in sand is one of the most dangerous things to do on a beach. Sand especially beach sand is very unstable, all of the time.
If I as a contractor were to dig a hole, not even a tunnel, like that and it was reported I would get a minimum of a $50,000 fine.
@Travis E Lol!
Yes I will be praying for all involved but it's time open nominations for the Darwin Awards.
Where were the Mothers of these boys? Sand caves in. Large holes or tunnels will collapse. Known fact.
Not if but when.
What exactly were the Lifeguards doing while the boys dug this large hole right in front of them? Last time I was at the beach they were charged with Beach Safety as well as water safety.
Last but not least is the Reporter who asked " How could an ambulance driver not see the Father carrying his infant?" This must be ammended to read "How could this Father not see an Ambulance bearing down on his son and himself on a Pedestrian Sidewalk were there was no other traffic?With or without siren.....
Don't mean to be insensitive but personal responsibility could have prevented this whole tragedy.
Geez, this is the type of thing were the expression "WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS" was invented! I'm glad the father and infant will be okay. my best wishes to everyone...... especially the little boy!
myspellcheckerisbroken (#1.3): I was thinking the same thing! Don't forget about the lifeguards only 15 feet away who will now be in big trouble for allowing the tunnel-digging to go on...
wakehead (#1.8): they might tell you to mind your own business, but at least you tried, so you would have a clear conscience!
I REALLY hope the driver of the fire truck isn't punished just because two beach morons were too stupid to get out of the way.
@Keven C:
Adult: "Stop that, young man! Don't you know that what you're doing is dangerous?"
Boy: "You're absolutely right, sir; I will cease immediately."
Problem solved! Why didn't we all think of this solution?
don't forget the father too Mo-563393 :-)
Sully - The reason for the fine is to keep OSHA inspectors gainfully employed. The threat of fines is broadcast but the ability to enforce the fines is very minimal.
So the producers from those Jersey Shores programs aren't "hollywoodizing" the actors. People are that dim-witted - digging a tunnel (cavern) in unstable wet beach sand and rubbernecking spectators that have gone deaf while straining to see the commotion.
Even tho the kid was only 12.....come on, digging a TUNNEL in sand on the beach????? Tunnels built in sand......... dont know what is more unstable or stupid. A tunnel in sand or the kid trying to dig it. Proof the herd needs more thinning. And it stinks about the guy holding his baby that got nailed by the firetruck due to some "not so smart " 12 year olds stupidity.
The lifegaurd 15 feet away should have told the kids to stop digging that tunnel, but then, maybe the kids were on the other side of the rope and not his responsibility so he didn't want to lose his job.
I love how at the very last line it straight out says the driver was OLD.
I accept that the kid may be stupid for digging it - but unstable? I also accept that the sand may be unstable - but stupid? (Just messing with you.)
This cave-in was no accident. An accident is a series of events that culminates in an unanticipated result despite all efforts at risk mitigation. This cave-in was risk acceptance with little done for risk mitigation. The kid had to have know that if he kept digging a larger and larger tunnel that there was the chance of a major cave-in. There is no way that he didn't get "warning signs" such as "minor cave-ins" and yet he continued.
If only life were that simple.
You're arguing that a 12-year-old should have the structural engineering skills of a senior project leader.
Some of the comments are getting out of hand. The kid is 12 years old...and I'm sure NONE of you have ever done anything stupid at that age. Lighthen up on him, the kid almost died. I doubt he understood how much trouble he could get himself into by digging a tunnel (which no one else on earth has ever done before).
And to the person above who thinks that dad is at fault for getting hit by the firetruck - are you on drugs? Why would he be responsible for someone elses actions? Especially when he was walking where he was supposed to be? Congrats, you are a total d-bag.
And where was the boy's parent(s) while he was digging this elaborate tunnel? Oh that's right.....no where to be found. But just wait, they'll appear shortly enough with a lawsuit against the city, county, state, lifeguard, and firetruck driver. Did I leave anyone out?
Sog - well said. People should think about the age of this kid...he's not even in high school yet.
@ Alostfraggle:
Firefighter's can retire after 20-30 years of service based on their locality. This firefighter could have realistically been as young as 38. The article didn't say he was OLD.
Judging by the fact that the kid kept digging & digging, with little to no thought of the consequences, I wouldn't be surprised if he wasn't an up & coming, young democratic liberal.
@Wakehead ~ sadly you're absolutely right. A few months ago I was grocery shopping and saw a child almost fall out of the front seat of their shopping cart... his mother had turned her back and wasn't paying attention at all. I lunged forward and stopped her from falling out and the mother turns around and gives me a dirty look. And when I pointed out that there was a seat belt she flipped out on me! I was very grateful when 2 other people in the aisle came to my defense cause they had seen the whole thing.... she whipped her cart (violently) around and stomped off. I don't care if if they think it's none of my business... the child comes first!
I was actually impressed that nobody made a political reference....and then.....FXSTC.....sheesh.
:)
RTSOB...
When I was in my teens and 20's I was invincible and I even got the nickname of "crazy". I had enough incidents that could have ended far differently than they did. Like the boy digging the tunnel why listen to the advice of others?
I doubt this lad will be digging any more deep tunnels in the sand. Like Nietzsche said "whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger"
My thoughts exactly. The father is the only one to blame for his being hit by the firetruck. These things use a siren when there is an emergency that they are trying to reach. They don't sneak up on unsuspecting pedestrians. He needs to pay attention to his surroundings, especially if he is carrying a baby. The fact that the person driving the firetruck was on his last shift before retirement says absolutely nothing about his ability, or lack thereof, to drive the truck, as the article seems to imply.
The life guards are quick enough to yell at people for tossing french fries to the seagulls, yet this kid gets away with practically tunneling to China. For a tunnel so big it was dangerous, how did they not see what was going on?!
(I continue the story using todays Parents)
Father of Boy: "Who the hell are you to tell my boy what to do?"
Adult: "I was trying to keep him from getting hurt"
Father of Boy: "So your saying I"m a bad parent........"
Huge fight breaks out and no one notices when tunnel collapses.............America of today aint it Great.
I absolutely love how everyone is defending the fireman driving the fire ENGINE who hit the father and who was carrying his infant son. NOW... do I think the father should have been paying more attention? Sure! BUT in most cases once the fire ENGINE has arrived on scene they no longer have a need to have their sirens on, they cut down to just the lights. So there's a good possibility that the man did not see the ENGINE and vice versa... THAT BEING SAID..... Need I remind everyone that if it was a police officer who had hit the man, the police officer would have been bad mouth, chastized, you name it! There would be so many of you commenters bad mouthing him/her right now, but because it was one of "America's Heroes" (bahahahaha...riiight!) it's a-okay and acceptable. You people make me SICK!!!
Why do people have to wonder why this happened? It's New Jersey, they're just lucky the Jersey Shore cast didn't respond and get in the way.
It was just reported that he died. Thoughts are with the family, may he rest in peace
myspellcheckerisbroken
c'mon! it's stuff like this that goes on all the time. like the story this spring of a young woman who missed qualifying for the coast gaurd by 1 point. she save a woman, (darwin material) who walked off the end of the city pier, (accompanied with her husband) while yes ladies and gents... she was TEXTING! condintions as they were, this was a bad spot.. all the people, and only one had the courage, and bravery to savethis womans life until none other than... the coast gaurd had arrived. had she passed, or was given a pass... that woman would have died. no question.
as far as this kid? another Darwin, just like the one who did the same thing last year and almost died. to make this simple for ALL parents to show the impact of how f-ing stupid it is to dig ANY kind of tunnel... go to the hardware store, buy 1 sand bag. 1 garden shovel. take them to any plot of land, and have you child fill it. bestto take them to a spot where digging tunnel would be a great idea! if it is on the beach, make it wet sand. make them LIFT IT if they even can. if still not getting it in the thick head... you will have to literally point out just how small the bag is comparedto body. and how even a grown man of choice in build have that amount of packed sand land all at one split second... on top of them. if you had air, its gone.... its nothing like haveing someone shovel it on you. its all at once... and as it comes down on top of you, due to moisture in the soil, or sand.. the weight of material immediately starts to pack what was lose that gave way. this isnt rocket science one would think.
this was explained to me just as i described when i was about 9 and my dad caught me digging into the side of a hill that had been dug away for some excavation for the garage he had built. but then it wasnt being stupid.. it was a parent, or any adult who saw a kid being"stupid" would say something. and if the kid got lippy, he got hauled off to have a talk with the parents. its called "respect". there is a fuzzy line laid out now, where there once one of definition when it came to teaching our kids respect. there are kids who do need a foot in the ass a few times to pint them on the right path. not ALL KIDS!
the majority of what i see from kids coming is up, not a lot have a lick of respect, but exspect it. they feel entitled to it, and feel they can only give it upon their leisure. they feel entitled to anything, without having to work for it, and life "just isnt fair". its the kids out of college, who are begging for jobs, who should be putting the NEW FOOT FORWARD TO CREATING THEM!
how in the heck do you people think the so called 1%, 2%, 3% got to be there? they got off their asses and started walking in the direction they wanted to inspire people with what they spent 3-8 yrs in college for. but its too hard to put what one has been taught, spent thousands of dollars to learn, and walk away into a life of no creativity, and initiative to put all that to a good use. maybe make that business from the ground up, like every other person you cry that has money, because they did, what you dont feel up to. because you feel entitled for someone to hire you... just because, you went to college? i care less what anyone spends on anything. but if you invest in YOUR future... this is why you invested money into school, for your future.
only thing we are truly entitled to is the air we breath for free. only thing left. the rest is all built on lies, hypocracy, and satire.
FXSTC everyone is liberal at that age. Look up the word, it means more than some insult towards a political party, as does conservative, look that one up some time too. Both sides are full of idiots, you made my point for one side, I have no doubt someone will make a point for the other before too long. Learn to think for yourself before it's too late, NOT with your political party. As for this young man I hope he recovers fully and learned his lesson as well has his friends.
Somebody wasn't praying hard enough.
No. I'm saying that even at 12 he should have been smart enough to understand the instability of the sand from the warning signs.
Well the child passed away according to reports. I'll repeat that - the CHILD died...he was only 12. I hope all of you above feel ashamed of yourselves for bashing him, hope none of you ever have to go through something like this. Bunch of jerks.
Note to Cassandra.....the kid died, you idiot
Wasn't enough bids to meet the reserve price, so God cancelled the life auction.
Hey genius, if you had half a brain you'd notice that she posted that comment YESTERDAY when the kid was still alive. So next time, before trying to be a smart *ss, look a little closer and keep yourself from looking like a dumb*ss instead.
"don't forget the father too Mo"
Does "mama" know who that is?
FWalsh, not that this should have ever turned into a political commentary, but I think FXSTC's observation is not so far off. However, I wouldn't use the word "liberal" because most people these days who fall under that umbrella really are not "liberal" at all. I would have said "leftist" if I were him. A true liberal (in the classic sense of the word) would likely have been more thoughtful of the consequences because a true liberal is one who believes in liberty, freedom, equality under the law, individual inalienable rights should be above the collective, the citizenry should be above the government, and all the other things our Founding Fathers stood for. Labels today mean nothing. And yes, you are correct, there are idiots on all sides. But we are all individuals and while someone may use a term like "conservative", more often than not, that person is probably a "classic liberal" in many ways. Some people who are thought to be "liberal" are often not very liberal at all and believe that the government should be more in control of their lives but that it should also provide more goods and/or services to them too. But that is not what liberal means. That is the ideology of leftism (which can include progressivism, fabianism, socialism, and/or communism to name a few degrees).
That said, I am very sad the poor boy died. A lot of times kids don't think of consequences simply because they are too busy having fun. He might have thought that if the tunnel collapsed, all he would have to do is dig himself out--not realizing the weight of the sand. I know folks like to point fingers and try to assign responsibility, but sometimes things are just tragic accidents. Sure, it could have been avoided and maybe someone could have said something. Then again, we don't know if anyone even noticed. We weren't there. At this point, I think the most important thing is to pray for the family.
Lots of people bashing the lifeguards for not putting a stop to the tunnel, but lifeguards are paid to keep their eyes on people in the water. They DO have "beach safety" as well, but that is generally only if someone reports something or they actually see something. There is no word in the article on if the tunnel was in front of a lifeguard station or behind it (out of view). There is also no word in the article on whether a lifeguard had been notified of the tunnel.
This is NOT a lifeguard issue--this is a PARENTING issue. Where were the boy's parents, and why were they letting him dig--and crawl into--a tunnel in the SAND??
Let us all pray for that poor child's recovery.
Prayers are useless. There is no magical man in the sky looking down on us all. Still, my best thoughts go out to these families and the doctors involved in the victims' care. Tragedies like these can often be averted by adults paying attention! So sad.
“Religions are all alike – founded upon fables and mythologies.” Thomas Jefferson.
"I have never seen the slightest scientific proof of the religious ideas of heaven and hell, of future life for
individuals, or of a personal God. So far as religion of the day is concerned, it is a damned fake… Religion is all bunk. – Thomas Edison
So prayers are useless, but your "thoughts" are helpful????
Hey, if you don't believe in religion that's fine. But I, and I'm sure Cassandra-854239, don't want to hear about it!
As Christians we don't believe in 'religion'. We believe in Faith. Religion is man made. Faith is personal. As for proof? Open the door and look outside. It's all out there.
I knew it was just a matter of time before someone had to attack religion. Many of us believe in God and whether you agree with us or not, just mind your own business please. This isn't about religion, it's about what happened to this poor kid, who maybe wasn't too smart to dig the tunnel, and about the dad and baby who accidentally got hit. It's ok for those of us who are religious to pray for the recovery of the victims just as it's ok for you to send your "best thoughts" to those individuals. I respect your right to believe as you want, so I expect all you who have no belief in God to respect the religious to believe as they do, without having to endure critcism for that belief. That being said, I pray for all those who were involved in this terrible incident. Hoping they recover and learn from their mistakes and that EVERYONE learns from this that DON'T dig tunnels in the sand!!!! So PLEASE people, keep opinions about religion to yourself and stick to discussion about the incident. Also, judging the victims and others involved doesn't help either. It was just a really stupid mistake and I thank God that at least they're still alive. Lifeguards, the fireman, bystanders, etc will be investigated for any negligence and I leave that to the authorities. Not for me to judge. Sorry if I offended anyone.
AlexTara please take your own advice....thanks!!!
@Traci M-1187989
a christian brain surgeon and an astronaut were discussing religion. The astronaut says to the surgeon, Ive made many trips to space and never once seen god or angels. the Brain surgeon replied, Ive operated on many brains and never once seen a thought.
So Tracie if you post quotes from Jefferson and Edison, you must be correct? Kindly eff off. Way to stay on the topic there genius, oh, quoter of others.
Sorry faithful, but your faith is indeed wasted wishful thinking. DO something.
Prayers ARE useless, for so many reasons. But we all know that the faithful are immune to reason, so I'll simply toss my name into the "religion / spirituality / faith / supernatural / whatever is all CRAP" crowd.
For something you don't believe in, you sure spend a lot of time yacking about it.
They didn't help the kid (prayeree) this time but they may have helped the "prayerers" feel good about themselves.
Also tunnels making should be banned so it doesn't happen again.
Amen, I live in a beach area and I've heard this story before. I've also heard of deep holes coming in. a grown man on the OBX was killed some years back sitting in a deep hole. Signs should be put up explaining the hazard.
Some places actually bans having deep holes being dug. A lifeguard came up to me once and told me that I can't go any deeper just in case it collapses, so we ended up widening the hole instead. Perfect outdoor toilet at the beach!
Dianefromlaconia, are you stupid or what??? Dumbest comment of the day.
Bandit-- rude comment, in all honesty. You can disagree without calling her stupid. Diane-- there has to be some parental oversight-- the government/beach authority, et cetera, can't be the parents to all these children. No tunnels? Is that the answer? Or maybe a parent saying, "Honey, that isn't safe. Get out of there." Personally, I'm tired of everything being banned because no one has the wherewithal to actually, gasp, parent their children.
Prayers to the injured, and for the fireman-- how badly he must feel.
omg.. do people not have any common sense? Seriously, does there truely need to be a sign or label ect. on everything? WTF. Use common sence you should have and if you have none then stop breeding.
Libtard!
Tim,
If the city or government put up a sign to cover all the stupid things people do at beaches, you would never even see the ocean. There is some expectation that people should have an iota of common sense. I have to agree with Joy above.
I don't agree with the idea of banning every potentially dangerous activity... That happened at my elementary school, and eventually it just worked out to be a blanket ban on fun. In reality, there were only a few problem children who needed to be targetted to stop them from putting ice in snowballs, destroying the playground equipment on purpose, and assaulting other kids.
I used to dig a lot of tunnels in the snow, but I did have a healthy sense of claustrophobia set in before they could become truly dangerous. Not everyone has the same survival instincts, but it's pretty clear that most do or else this wouldn't be news, so I still think it's better to take an interest in at-risk individuals than to simply ban everything.
Marla.....I so agree with you!!! The government is already in our lives WAY TOO much!!!! If a parent is paying attention then most things would not happen!! I always am right with my kids at the beach and make sure they are not digging too deep because I have read these horrible stories!!! I hope everyone that was injured is going to make a full recovery!!!
It is tragic that the little boy on the beach was hurt when the tunnel collasped. Now for the man that could not see or hear the emergency response vehicle comming i dont have much sympathy for, I do hope that his child recovers from his injuries that could have been avoided if his father was paying attention. As I have seen many times and just about everyday people do not care that these vehicles are comming and do not want to move out of the way. People these days figure they would rather get injured by these vehicles so they can get a law suit started. They do not want to move so the first responders can get on scene faster in hopes of saving a life. It only matters to these people when they are injured or a family member is in trouble, if thats not the case they could care less. I hope everybody involved in the acciedents are ok and recover with out any long term problems.
A Fish Named Wanda...perfect outdoor toilet? That's disgusting. Weirdo.
Ban children.
How much did it cost the parents of this kid to rent the excavator or did they borrow it from the ground zero construction site?
There is no way this kid used a standard sand pail and plastic shovel by himself.
@ 757justme199 (#3.10): Heaven forbid the father was deaf, hard of hearing, or distracted with an infant while walking in a pedestrian area that doesn't have traffic due to restrictions. It was a pedestrian area and only authorized vehicles would ever be there. It wasn't like he was just crossing a normal street. Also, the truck came around a corner. Obviously, he didn't see it soon enough to avoid it. There aren't enough details in this story for anyone to make a judgment either way.
@rnelson302, if you were so adamant about your rule, then shouldn't someone had pulled out years ago to prevent YOUR existance? Seriously, idiots like you always promote abortion and yet you never give a second thought to anyone but yourself. People like you pollute the gene pool.
Based on Diane's thinking, swimming should be banned too..due to the potential of drowning and shark attack and jelly fish stings.
rnelson-- I took your comment in the tongue-in-cheek way (I think) it was intended-- it made me laugh.
Navinavi...
Your opening line brought me back to the early 80's where a co-worker posted a cartoon panel showing all the activities that were hazardess to ones health. The last panel showed an image of a man with a big-azzed grin because sex wasn't considered to be lethal.
Wouldn't you know it, AID's eventually showed everyone that even sex without protection could be fatal.
Marla - Parents can't be with their children at ALL times. Things happen with kids and it doesn't necessarily mean it's due to a lack of parenting.
Dianefromlaconia What a dumb, dumb answer, are you ignorant or just plain stupid?
Misstiff-- no, I know that-- parents can't always be there-- and also, things happen when the parent is there, too. Maybe the parent didn't realize the danger. Who knows?
My reply seemed to throw these particular parents under the bus here-- it wasn't my intent. I got off on a tangent.
in any event-- the lad has since died. I can't even imagine the pain these parents are in this day.
Bandit-- redundant much?
@Daniefromlaconia Yeah, be sure to:
1. Decleare a War On Tunnels, have a "Tough on Tunnel Diggers" policy (which G.W. Bush would have referred to as "Tough on Tunnels," for short).
2. declare laws in all states that establish jail sentences of up to 30 years for anyone who digs a tunnel. Don't forget to make the language as vague as possible so you can nail everybody.
3. Give federal money to the states to incentivize enforcement and maximize the number of prosecutions.
4. Catch anyone digging a hole to plant a tree in their backyard? Throw them in jail!
Now turn on your T.V. and enjoy the show as you watch corrupt DAs bragging about the number of evil doers they locked up that dare plant flowers in their precious backyards. After all, they want to run for state attorney and perhaps be governors of the state.
You all say "people just use your common sense". The problem is people no longer HAVE common sense!
BG. Yes! You've got it! Someone posted earlier, that if you say something to the parents, they'll think you are questioning their judgement (I work retail and see this alot!) or if you don't do anything, then you let it happen. Overall. parents don't seem to care anymore or don't have any common sense, and pass it on to the kids.....
Bandit relax. Just a page into these responses show the contradictions are problem enough. However, it looks like everyone would agree:
Digging tunnels in the sand is dangerous.
Even a shallow tunnel could result in a child being buried by enough sand from which he could not escape.
Many people do not understand the physical nature of sand - or perhaps physics in general.
People are reluctant to do anything due to their own ignorance, disregard for others, or fear of rebuttal from irate parents.
Public safety workers cannot be fully responsible for what people do - self responsibility is necessary.
THEREFOR DIANNE, if a sign were posted prohibiting the digging of tunnels on the beach, more than likely:
the lifeguards would have been aware of the danger, and would have known to stop this child from digging his own grave, (provided it occurred inside the posted area);
others would have felt confident enough to say or do something to stop the child or alert the lifeguards; and,
upon seeing the sign, the child might have been aware of the danger he was creating and acted more cautiously. (I am sure if Bandit or John were there they would have pulled the child out of the hole and stopped his digging - thereby, saving his life, preventing the collateral injuries, and saving the day for us all - but that didn't happen.)
It seems clear: Dianne should run for city-counsel. Bandit, you can stay in the jeering section. Your post was funny, John.
LOL-- brilliant, stunned!!!
The beach will never be the same for this family. What a tragic loss. My condolences to the family.
"Authorities said a fire truck responding to the scene hit a man holding his infant son. The truck hit the pair as it pulled into Ocean Place near the beach, knocking them both to the ground. The firefighter driving the truck was working his last shift before his retirement, officials said." Talk about really bad luck. I feel for this firefighter. Glad the dad and baby will be ok.
Condolences to the young boy's family.
I grew up on an Island. I have always had a beach to dig in. We didn't dig tunnels. I don't know why, but we built up. We made mermaids and castles and giant cars etc. I have never heard of a child or anyone dying from a sand tunnel before and I went from the Jersey Shore to the Florida Keys (granted, not much sand in the keys for anything) and I never heard of this happening before. I am pained deeply for the loss of this child and the immense grief his family is dealing with and will continue to deal with for quite some time. As for the man and the baby, I hope they are well soon. That's it. Nothing political to say.
All the signs in the world would have made very little difference.
People think warnings and rules are for everyone else.
How many times have you been at poolside and some stupid kid stands on the "No Diving Allowed" sign while diving into the pool?
I once pointed out the dangers to a young man who ignored those signs while little kids were in the pool, and he tried to sick his bully of a father on me.
He and his father both learned a good lesson that day. "Might doesn't make right, and you can't judge a book by it's cover."
Even if the Beach Patrol had told these people not to dig, chances are they would have ignored the warning.
It won't be surprised if this kid's parents hire a lawyer to sue someone for not posting warnings about digging sand tunnels.
Only In America!
I have allowed my children to dig very shallow, short tunnels many times. After reading this, it will never happen again! Although this boy obviously dug a much deeper elaborate tunnel, the end result could be the same with a much smaller child! Many prayers to this child's family and friends. What a shame that someone's life ended so early and tragically!
I agree with Voter signs do not make much difference just like signs telling people to stay out of the water when the red flags are flying yet still there is at least 20 water rescues every time they fly. Signs only save the smart ones
The rules for most public beaches forbid deep sand holes (maybe 12 inches below grade max.) If this beach had a rule and lifeguards were only feet away, why were they permitting a child in a tunnel?
And yes - signs may have little effect on the true morons, but on-duty public safety officials (like lifeguards, who have radio links to officers with arrest powers) should be able to control illegal activity on the beach. As they say, safety rules are all written in blood.
And this is a fairly common accident - someone digging the hole is trapped, or even a passerby chasing a frisbee who stumbles into a deep hole that was dug and abandoned by someone else. Sand packs around the body and head very efficiently as the hole collapses.
"Parents can't be with their children at ALL times."
I'm sorry but I don't agree.
In this day & age, unless your child is: at school, sleeping or in the tub, U should always B with your child-ESPECIALLY when they R at the beach or doing something else where they COULD get hurt.
The kid was just having fun and not thinking. He also probably didn't engage the common sense gears in his head. Banning hole digging in the beach is dumb. Some information and warnings regarding this activity is the better way to handle it. We cannot protect everyone from themselves without reducing the freedom we enjoy ourselves.
This was no ordinary hole if the weight of the sand on the boys chest prevented him from breathing. Sand tunnels when they get to that extent are very dangerous and the lifeguards, 15 feet away, should have exercised some common sense and put a stop to it.
I notice how a lot of people here tote the line of "the lifeguards should have done something." Correct me if I'm wrong but didn't a lifeguard get fired a week or two ago for rescuing someone? Anymore, lifeguards are there because the law requires them to be there, but as soon as they try to do anything remotely resembling their job, someone gets pissed off because someone got offended by the lifeguards actions.
No, I have no sympathy for the parents who were clearly dumb enough to let their kid dig a hole that deep. I also have no sympathy for the dad who got hit while a fire truck was on its way out (although I will alter that statement if indeed the sirens were not going when the truck took that corner). And BG, post #3.23 got it right, no one has common sense anymore so signs aren't gonna do any good either (remember, lifeguards aren't allowed to do their jobs because it may offend someone so they can't go out to remind people of the rules or call the proper authorities over either).
Dianefromlaconia What a dumb, dumb answer, are you ignorant or just plain stupid?
How could anybody say such things? I think you are a good argument for birth control.
Holy crap. This story is depressing. The last shift before the firefighter's retirement? What a terrible way to end his career.
Ummm, when you see a fire engine or ambulance approaching, get the hell out of the way. People at the beach should have made a clear path for the fire truck, obviously they didn't.
Ironic if the guy was a lawyer.
Put down the stonepipe, stonepipe.
Roadhouse blues, I am happy you said that. It is the truth. If I was holding one of my kids and heard some comotion like this and heard the truck, I would get the hell out of the way. But,,,, maybe he couldn't for some reason. Well, obviously he couldn't. Learn to run and dive man!
Were you guys there? Did you see what happened? If you weren't, then don't presume. He could have been trying to get out of the way when the truck hit him.
Emily - How small are the firetrucks where you live? How quiet are the sirens and how dim are the flashing lights?
Most cities use firetrucks big enough, loud enough and bright enough to be seen from BLOCKS away. A 93 y.o. using a walker has time to move out of the way.
Well happster, I have almost one o'clock and the score is 4:1. Blow me.
The Thinker, thank you for pointing out what should have been obvious. Unfortunately, I must admit that sometimes the lights and noise have the opposite of the desired affect, i.e., they actually attract some people whose curiousity overrides their basic intelligence, hence we get things like gapers blocks on the expressways and goofballs sticking their hands into animal cages at the zoo. People do some very strange things.
Where were his parents? Why didn't the life guards - 15 feet away - tell them to stop. I thought most people would know how dangerous that could be.
Valerie, my dear, it's too bad you think common sense is "common".
Valerie, don't you know that people EXPECT all things and warnings now to be on a sign? They don't follow the laws, rules, or common sense anymore. Just like all the years of warnings and signs and advertisements about everything else, people just keep doing stupid stuff.
It's a shame this had to happen to that dumb-azz pre-teen, but his parents should have been more vigilant or conversed with their son about the dangers of such activity. As for the man and his infant, the story doesn't say what he was doing or why he was in the way of the truck, surely a fire truck is large enough to see and get out of the way. What an inept adult.
Did you all ever think that the kid was in back of the lifeguards.. the lifeguards are looking at the people in the water keeping an eye out for drowners... not in back of them watching a dumb azz kid when his parents should have been.
I don't know if this is the case or not but it is possible that at the age of 12 that his parents may not have been there. I lived close enough to the beach when I was 12 that I frequently went without my parents. For those who want to scream about how it was better back then than it is now should look at the crime statistics. Like it or not it was far worse then than it is now.
Joy, seriously? Lifeguards that only watch the water? I want that job.
David, I spent days at the beach alone too. Great Glorious days. My Parents told us the dangers of tunnels and we dug trenches. Way more fun. I agree that the world was a much more dangerous place because we didn't know what those kids were doing at the top of the hill. We were warned not to take candy from strangers and to stay together but we didn't really know why. Knowledge will set you free.
I want to jokingly blame the game Minecraft; in which blocks of soil and stone can hover in mid air... but even there, sand collapses and smothers the player if you tunnel in it.
So, can't blame video games for this one!
(unless the ambulance driver played too much GTA)
The parent/guardian of this child obviously thought nothing bad could happen whilst doing this. Or they haven't heard of the previous incidents involving this practice. "Common sense" is not very common in a lot of people it seems. I bet they'll think twice before doing this again.
Why is there an immediate assumption by some that this boy was never warned about the dangers of tunneling? My parents warned me about a lot of things that I foolishly ignored, and I'll bet you did the same.
That's a bet I won't put money on. You underestimate the stupidity of Americans. The lawyers always are able to blame somebody else. BUT, I'll bet they are already circling the family, posturing to represent them in a suit against the entity in charge of the beach, the organization employing the lifeguards, and the manufacturer of the plastic pail and shovel used.
Wow I wonder what kind of people some of you are to have been so perfect in life. He is a child and children do stupid things and even more so now with the way parents are raising them to think they can do no wrong. Also the guy with the baby I'm sure would have moved if he could have. We don't know if they pulled the truck up on the actual beach or not. Some people might not expect them to pull up on the beach. The truck could have been turning a corner with low visibility or something. There are many reasons why it could have happened. Learn to stop judging people's intelligence based on partial facts. Also we don't even know how deep this tunnel was all things considered my definition of deep might not be yours.
I don't know what the sand is like in NJ but where I was in Florida it would have been difficult to build a tunnel of any size. I don't believe that I was ever warned not to do it because it didn't take rocket science to figure out that sand caves in too easily. What I am certain is that even if the parents had warned them about the danger he probably would have done it anyway. Something about being a kid at that age that leads them to believe that nothing can happen to them. All this is working on the theory that the parents were not there. If the parents were there then I have to wonder what they were thinking.
Sand in Florida is totally sdifferent. I lived in Daytona and you need heavy equipment to dig.
R. Scalzo I lived further down south by Ft Lauderdale and the sand down there is very grainy. It was very difficult to keep any type of structure together let alone dig a tunnel.
I grew up in Ft Lauderdale with it's gorgeous golden sand beach - spent a great deal of time there without parents. You couldn't dig too deep as it filled with seawater after a few inches haha. We never did try tunnelling - guess that's something fairly new (I'm old-er). Goooooooooooooo Dragons (Stranahan high)
How many of these stories are we going to have to read before we pay attention to what our children/grandchildren are doing? In 1993, my 4 year old boy dug a hole in our backyard in Gulf Breeze, FL. He fell in, lodging his shoulders as the wall of the hole closed around him. He died 2 days later - Easter weekend. His father was not watching him while I was at work. Folks, sand and dirt, ESPECIALLY in beach areas are dangerous places to play. Please watch while your child plays or, better yet, find something else for them to do besides digging!!!!
Maureen so sorry to hear about your son.
wow what a mess. Feel bad for that firetruck driver. good thing nobody is dead
So, everyone is assuming that the man just walked in front of the firetruck, rather than the fire truck driver was NOT paying attention...jeez...making a lot of assumptions here, aren't we...I am NOT saying this is the case, but I not saying it didn't either
Well, rule of thumb is in an emergency of any kind, you get the hell out of the way. Driver was probably paying attention, but might have been a tough one all around. It's not easy walking on sand. The father probably just didn't move fast enough to dodge the truck. And emergency vehicles are not meant to dodge everyone, everyone is supposed to move so they can get to where the accident is fast enough.
"rather than the fire truck driver was NOT paying attention...jeez.."
Not paying attention? Try driving an emergency vehicle, especially a large fire truck through traffic or a crowd and tell us that you are not paying attention! The idiot father should have gotten out of the way.
At the Jersey Shore, pedestrians think they have the right of way all the time and that ALL vehicles need to watch out for THEM. Thank the law that says drivers must yield to pedestrians. If there is an emergency vehicle rushing by, get out of the way.
I'm pretty sure there is another law that everyone must yield right of way to emergency vehicles....
Portia - When everybody else is scattering like cockroaches when the light is turned on don't started thinking they are making way for you to be able to have a better position to rubberneck. The fire engine isn't being used to clear the way for you - it's for the emergency responders.
im pretty sure the firetruck had its lights and sirens on. Firetrucks are like semi's they cant abruptly stop when moving at a high speed and A big loud bright lit up truck laying down on the airhorn doesnt just sneak up on you!! The law yield the right of way goes to people on foot too. SO unfortunately if he aint yield he got what was coming to him. Lesson learned, bet he wont do it again
ya but then again the lawyers he might hire could try and sue the fire dept. anyway.
I would not be surprised to learn that he almost never drives the fire truck, but did this time because it was his last shift before retirement.
A sand tunnel? What a stupid kid.
"stupid kid"........the key word is "kid", when have they ever been to known to act intelligently, even after a lot of them grow up, case in point, Jackass the Movie!
I guess you were never a "kid"?
How the hell did the kid even dig a tunnel that deep and long enough for him to crawl into? It's exhausting just to get it to a certain depth in the first place.
Fish...kids are willing to do all kinds of hard work as long as they don't realize they're working. Ask them to mow the lawn, and it's another story.
Mine engineering isn't taught in elementary school, yet.
From the looks of the test scores not much of anything is being taught in elementary schools, lately.
In the 12 years this kid lived he was unfortunate enough to never have been near any type of construction site where the workers were digging a hole or trench. Because if he had he would have seen the barriers that are required to be used once the hole/trench goes beyond a minimal size. Had he not known what the barrier was for most kids would have asked what it was and what it was used for.
My advice to parents is to make sure to take their kids by a construction site so they won't be as uneducated regarding safety devices.
I was just at Surf City LBI this weekend. There are rules that you can't dig deeper than 12 inches in the sand. How deep was this tunnel? Either no one was enforcing the rule or the rules need to change. There is also a rule that pedestrians have the right of way that no one adheres to. If you're a tourist, learn the rules where you're vacationing. They are there for your safety!
We live in a world where parent work to ensure their kids are never put into harms way, which means they are never put into a scenario in which they have the opportunity to learn what is dangerous nor, how to survive danger. So, what happens? When the parents are there our kids are not able to keep themselves safe. We should embrace learning opportunities early and frequently. Those lessons will keep our children safe.
Yea BoulderVal, except Pedestrians do NOT have the right of way to Emergency Vehicles with lights and sirens flashing, so you're wrong in this case.
He's a child, what's your excuse?
Sand and tunnels just don't mix. I hope everybody will be ok. It sounds like anything that could go wrong did go wrong. The poor fireman on his last day, the father and his baby along with this child. Such a sad chain reaction of events.
Depressing on many levels. Every beach season there are the same stories about someone digging a hole or tunnel in the sand and having it collapse and seriously injure or kill. A 12-year-old does not have the risk avoidance sense of an adult--but nearby adults should have spoken up. I have a place near the beach and just this past weekend gave a friendly warning to a clueless adult with his preschool son digging a deep hole in wet sand. As for the parking lot accident, cannot figure how another adult would not have stood clear of a large emergency vehicle, especially holding an infant. Sure seems like adults failed on a few levels in Long Branch, NJ. I was half expecting a final line about someone leaving a child in a hot car in the parking lot too.
I have been one of those adults who speaks up and what I get for it is a lot of foul language from both the kids AND their parents to mind my own business...in this day and age, you take your life in your hands when you open your mouth.
Portia--maybe so. There is a fine line between being silent and being a busybody. I would have a clearer conscience being cursed and wrong, than silent and see the bodies being transported on a gurney. And the young father last weekend was thankful--and I did make a joke about it to soften the message. He said he had never thought of it.
I agree Portia. It's everywhere. Yesterday a grown man called me the c word because I expressed an opinion of somethig on the computer. I mean, really? How, an why, would I even bother to defend myself furthrer? Easy to do these things on here.Unfortunately, I am also that parent that if I see something really wrong and say something and the parent is just rude and ignorant, there is going to be a bigger problem than just your child being stupid!
Portia, really did they hurt your feelings? I'm the kind of person that would sit down and start a conversation with the children. Cool, what are you doing? Hmm digging a tunnel? How far ya going?If there is a parent attached they will come to see whats going on and you can have the same conversation with them. Yeah, I remember when I was a kid and dug trenches, My Mom wouldn't let us dig tunnels no support. If they are rude which has never happened yet, I would walk. A word to the wise. If the child is untended I would spin a tale of tunnel collapse where my friends Uncles cousin was buried alive. I live in a small beach town where such things are possible. Still.
Tunnels = Collapse! I don't care what kind they are. Living in northern MN we hear it alot that snow tunnels and forts collapse on people, not just kids!
I am sorry but were you not once a child too playing in the sand? His mother and brother were nearby watching and playing sometimes tragedy is out of our hands to attack the parents for this is outright absurd and immature. In a time like this the family and friends of this child do not need to be told their parenting is poor or the child was wrong for playing in sand. They need support and love and for prayers in hearts and minds of people for their son to have a successful recovery. Imagine if your child was buried would you want to be told it was your fault? NO you would not so please leave the negative attacks elsewhere this is not the kind of hurtful words this family needs.
katherinemichelle, are you kidding? Mom was nearby playing with brother and ignored the kid long enough for this to happen? Who should be responsible? Absurd? Immature? To be a parent is to be responsible. You don't get to watch one and let the other go. What kind of reasoning is that? I beleive it is absurd that a Parent would sit nearby playing with his brother and do nothing. Immature? Theres another good word for a parent that only watches the younger child. Support, love and prayers. All good. But sorry if what you say is true Mom is at fault. Did you not notice most posters assumed or pretended to believe the child was at the beach alone.
Before you continue to speak ignorantly you should look further into a story the brother was with him playing >together< then ran to his mother when the sand fell. Unless you personally know this family watch what you and others are saying in regards to the parenting. I do however. And if you did too you would bite your tongue my friend, this is no mother who had any intention but love and care for her sons. If you are a mother you should understand
My only question is, if the lifeguards were that close (15 feet away) didn't they see the kids digging a hole big enough for a young child (12 is not that small) wouldn't they or shouldn't they have asked them to stop. It takes a while to dig a hole in the sand I'm sure they saw this happening or atleast tell the adult watching them. I'm not blaming anyone, but maybe it would have helped this little boy live at the end of the day...
So sorry for this families loss. I also hope the other man and child are OK too.. what a day it must have been with such good intentions for everyone to have a great day at the beach...
katherinemichelle, Your attempt to defend the parent of the child is pitiful. It doesn't matter that she may not WANT to hear that she is responsible for the well being of her child, she is responsible. Who exactly should have warned her son not to tunnel into the sand? Who is supposed to caution her child not to run into traffic or not to syff his mouth with marshmellows? Are you suggesting that anything bad that results from a child's behavior is just an accident? Parental guidance is worthless? This is a terrible tragedy that may have been avoided had the mother prevented the child from taking such a risk.
I remember being at Atlantic City beach long ago. When anyone started digging a pit or tunnel the lifeguard stopped them. That was 40 years ago. Why aren't these same rules applied now?
Because Republicans will tell you to stay out of it...it is a free country and we should be allowed to do as we please...parents themselves will tell you to shut up...I no longer stick my nose where some feel it doesn't belong...kids run this country because their parents don't want them to be deprived in ANY way from having it all
Portia..... Republicans... give me a break!
Yep, bring your politics into the discussion. It's not Republicans vs. democrats, it's sense vs no sense!
Portia:
I am a democrat. You are an ASS!!! POLITICS SIMPLY DON'T FIGURE IN THIS.
Only a few weeks ago there was a story on the news about a boy who had a sand tunnel collapse on him. He was brain-dead. I understand that children will be children, but I do think that an adult should have stepped in at some point, especially a life guard if they were that close. While parents may not be aware of the danger, the life guards should have been.
Sad tragic story and I hope the little boy will be just fine. My prayers go out to all involved. This including the Father and infant as well as the Figherfighter. He must be devestated.
Everything old is new again. I do hope the boy is ok. As for the man hit by the responding fire truck, perhaps they should charge him with child endangerment, obstructing the path of an emergency vehicle, interfering with official business and anything else they can dream up. When you see a fire truck, GET THE FRIG OUT OF THE WAY! He must be the only fool who did not get the memo on 9/11/2001.
I pray for the child and Father & Infant! This is just a terrible ACCIDENT, but I do agree more attention needs to be brought to the fact that sand is extremely heavy and is a DANGER!!! If I had seen this, I probably would have said something and then the Mother probably would have told me to mind my own business.
You are right - that is what a lot of parents who don't seem to mind dangers will say. I let the parent get mad and stop the danger anyway. I just can't sit by and watch a disaster happen! One day in line at a grocery store, a toddler, maybe 2 years old, was standing in the grocery cart, moving around, etc. The mother was totally ignoring the situation. I have heard too many stories about kids falling out of carts like that and hitting their heads on the hard floor. I walked over and asked the little girl to sit down. The mother glared at me as I explained that this was serious danger if she fell out on the hard floor. The mother acted like I was an "idiot" and she could care less about the danger. These kinds of parents make me sick!
DANGER!!! If I had seen this, I probably would have said something and then the Mother probably would have told me to mind my own business.
And you would have gone on with your day and she would have at least been more vigilant. Maybe she would have seen you were right and as soon as you left she would stop him. This kind of parent would probably berate the child for embarrassing her but he would be alive.
When I see this kind of situation, I really don't care about the parent. I only care about the child not getting hurt, at least while I am standing there. Unfortunately, these unattended kids are not being taken care of and will be hurt along the way. Of course, the parents will say what a "terrible accident" it was. Again, these kind of parents make me physically sick!
How could the lifeguard and/or his parents be so indifferent? The danger should be obvious to even the dumbest adults. Nature's cruel way of thinning the herd I suppose.
Sadly, it thins the herd of kids who don't know any better! The thinning of the herd should be the lackadaisical adults!
Pook kid!! This is so sad. I hate reading tragic stories about kids. I just talked to my son about this over the past weekend because we were watching a movie where someone dug a tunnel in the dirt and crawled through. Told him never to do that, especially in sand, and I explained why.
At the time he looked at me like I was a total weirdo, but one day he will be grateful for his neurotic, somewhat overprotective mother.
That's it. We must protect our children. Let's place them all in bubbles until their brains have evolved enough to know what is right and wrong.
Seriously, folks, the kids were playing. It's a terrible tragedy, and I hope the child is OK, but let's not jump all over the people around them for not knowing/caring. Hindsight is 20/20. Hidden dangers are everywhere. Since we weren't there, we don't know how deep/big this tunnel was, it could have been just a little thing. It doesn't appear it took a long time to dig the kid out, so it might not have been too big.
As for the father who got hit by the fire truck - well, that's just plain stupid. Lights, fire truck, get out of the way.
Seriously, ChaChaChia, I'm not sure anyone would know which way a fire truck, barrelling down a sandy beach, was going to turn. It's not like there are lanes marked or anything like that, and it's quite likely to have never happened to that father before. Walking in the sand is hard enough, much less trying to run with a little kid. Maybe he dodged left to avoid the truck, and the truck turned that same way.
As you said, "Hindsight is 20/20"
Some people live to find fault. I'd rather put my energies into expressing gratitude that the boy is alive. The same thing happened to a friend of mine and me nearly 60 years ago while digging a tunnel in a remote dune far from supervising eyes. One of us managed to pull free and dig the other out. Boys do things like that. In spite of vigilance, things can happen in the blink of an eye.
Wow what a sad story. Hope everyone will be okay! I just learned something about sand playing today. People shouldn't be too down on the parents, I'm a parent and I didn't realize this.
hope its all good with the boy.
just sayin,
Tragedy all around. I hope all 3 people with injuries recover quickly. Stories like this remind us that as parents we need to be diligent and talk with our children, hopefully incidents like this can be avoided for the most part.
Perhaps the majority of th mini-humans infesting the landscape are "kids" but when I was young so many decades ago I was a vile spawn.
A genuine threat to civil society.
The many teachers who commented about me in the file that is permanent basically stated the same over the years; "Obbop neither plays nor works well with others."
Surprisingly, no mention of the constant frays at the bike racks after school.