CRBC News
Culture
Society
Security
Health
Conflict
Science
Technology
Politics
Environment
Lifestyle
Economy

12-Year-Old Rescued After Sand Hole Collapse on Texas Sandbar During Thanksgiving

The Woodlands Fire Department says a 12-year-old girl was rescued after a sand hole she had been digging collapsed on a sandbar along Panther Creek at about 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving. Her father cleared sand from around her head so she could breathe until emergency crews arrived. Responders from four agencies shored up the area and carefully removed sand to free her. After being evaluated by medics, she was released to her parents who declined hospital transport.

02:57 AM, 11/30/2025Society

A 12-year-old girl was rescued after becoming buried when a large sand hole she had been digging collapsed on a sandbar in The Woodlands, Texas, officials said.

The Woodlands Fire Department reported that crews from multiple agencies responded at about 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day to a call of a child trapped following a cave-in. Responders were directed to a sandbar on the west bank of Panther Creek, just south of the pedestrian bridge, where the girl — who was on a family outing — had been covered when the sand gave way.

Her father rushed to her side and cleared sand away from around her head so she could breathe until emergency personnel arrived. When crews reached the scene, only the girl's face and head were visible above the collapse.

"Firefighters, medics and deputies were directed to a sandbar... where a 12-year-old girl on a family outing was trapped after a large hole she was digging in the sand collapsed, covering her completely," the Woodlands Fire Department said.

Responders worked quickly to shore up the unstable area to prevent further collapse, then carefully removed sand to extricate the child. Images released by officials showed first responders using shovels and coordinated, methodical efforts to free her.

Agencies that responded included the Woodlands Fire Department, the South Montgomery County Fire Department, Montgomery County Sheriff's Office deputies and the Montgomery County Hospital District. After being evaluated by medics at the scene, the girl was released to her parents, who declined transport to a hospital.

Officials praised the coordinated response. "First responders from four agencies worked together seamlessly to turn a near tragedy into a Thanksgiving story that will be told for decades," the department added.

Similar Articles

Trending