12-Year-Old Girl Almost Buried Alive by Collapsing Sand Hole, Dad Saves Her

A 12-year-old Texas girl had a terrifying brush with death on Thanksgiving when she became trapped in a collapsing sand hole at the Spring Creek Nature Trail in The Woodlands.

The girl had been digging a large hole in the sand around 5 p.m. near the end of Pruitt Road when the hole caved in, burying her almost completely. By the time firefighters, medics, and police arrived, only her head was visible above the sand.

Her quick-thinking father rushed to her aid, clearing enough sand around her face to keep her breathing until first responders could arrive.

Emergency crews from the South Montgomery County Fire Department, the Montgomery County Hospital District, and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office worked together to carefully remove the sand and free the girl from the sandbar along the west bank of Panther Creek, just south of a pedestrian bridge.

The young girl was evaluated on the scene and released to her parents, who chose not to take her to the hospital. Officials have not released additional information about her condition or identity.

Photos shared on social media showed more than a dozen first responders on the scene, carefully working to clear the area. The Woodlands Fire Department praised the team effort, saying, “First responders from four agencies worked together seamlessly to turn a near tragedy into a Thanksgiving story that will be told for decades!”

Local officials also highlighted the heroic rescue. Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough wrote on Facebook, “While most of us were enjoying family and turkey dinner, many of our first responders were out doing what they do best… So thankful for the men and women who work around the clock to keep us safe. They worked quickly to make this bad day better for this family.”

The Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office echoed the sentiment, posting on social media, “On this day of Thanksgiving, we are grateful for all those serving our community.”

The Spring Creek Nature Trail, which stretches 14 miles, is popular with hikers, bikers, and birdwatchers, and was mostly built by volunteers. Maps shared by The Woodlands Fire Department show the area where the rescue took place is heavily wooded.