In The Woodlands, Texas, a family outing took a frightening turn in Montgomery County as a 12-year-old girl became engulfed by sand after the hole she was excavating gave way. The incident occurred just before 5 p.m. near the Spring Creek trail, at the end of Pruitt Road.

The Woodlands Fire Department reported that the girl was digging on the west bank of Panther Creek when the sand collapsed, burying her completely. Demonstrating quick-thinking, her father immediately intervened. He managed to clear the sand from around her head, ensuring she could breathe while emergency services were en route.

When firefighters and paramedics arrived, they found that only the girl’s face and head were visible above the sand. The rescue teams worked efficiently to stabilize the area and carefully excavate her from the sand’s grip. Following a thorough medical evaluation, she was released back into her parents’ care, who opted not to take her to the hospital.

Crews quickly shored up the area and carefully dug her out. After medics checked her over, she was released to her parents, who declined a trip to the hospital.

The Woodlands Fire Department said their first responders worked seamlessly with crews from the South Montgomery County Fire Department, The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and Montgomery County Hospital District, helping turn what could have been a heartbreaking Thanksgiving into a story the family will be telling for years.