A tragic incident unfolded on a beach in Florida where a 7-year-old girl lost her life, and her 9-year-old brother was hospitalised, according to the Broward County Sheriff's Office. The children were engaged in digging a hole on Lauderdale-by-the-Sea beach around 3 pm on Tuesday (local time), resulting in them becoming trapped in the collapsing sand, approximately 6 feet deep, as outlined in a statement from the sheriff's office.
Approximately 20 people at the scene were involved in the rescue efforts, attempting to locate and extricate the children. The boy was found submerged up to his neck, and the girl was buried when they were pulled out, according to information from CNN affiliate WFOR.
Despite paramedics rushing them to the hospital, the girl was later pronounced dead, while the boy is currently recovering at Broward Health Medical Center in stable condition, as confirmed by an official speaking to WFOR. The sheriff's office revealed that the family, originating from Indiana, was on vacation, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.
CNN has sought information from various authorities, including the sheriff's office and fire rescue department. The American Lifeguard Association issued advice, cautioning beachgoers not to dig holes deeper than knee-level. Wyatt Werneth, a spokesperson, emphasised the role of lifeguards in preventing such tragedies and urged beachgoers to fill up any holes they dig before leaving to maintain safety.