Sand burial boy 'sure he would die'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A teenager who was buried in 6ft of sand while digging a trench on a California beach said he was certain he would die before rescuers pulled him to safety.
Matt Mina, 17, said he passed out after a few minutes, but before he lost consciousness he thought of his family and friends.
He says he did not know if anyone knew he was buried or could hear his screams.
Matt, from Free Union, Virginia, was visiting his aunt and uncle in Orange County and had been spending Wednesday at Newport Beach with his cousin.
He was buried alive after digging a 6ft deep pit and attached trench which suddenly collapsed.
It took dozens of rescuers about 30 minutes to dig him out.
Matt's mother Melissa thanked the bystanders and emergency crews who came to his rescue.
Beachgoers sprang to his aid, using anything available to dig for him. Firefighters and lifeguards eventually got him out.
Ms Mina said she asked her son by phone how it felt to be buried alive and he commented on how heavy the sand was.
AP
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments