First responders in Toms River, New Jersey were on scene of minors trapped during a ‘sand collapse’ at the Jersey Shore on Tuesday.
“At approximately 4:09 PM police and EMS were dispatched to the beach entrance near Seaview Road on the barrier island for reports of juveniles trapped in the sand as it collapsed around them while digging,” police said in a statement. “Multiple police units, EMS are currently on scene. Please do not respond to the area.”
Images on social media showed first responders and beachgoers helping in the rescue effort. A bulldozer was brought in to assist.
🚨 Scary situation on a Toms River beach. Toms River PD: reports of juveniles trapped in the sand as it collapsed around them while digging. @News12NJDesk pic.twitter.com/TXmiPpcIEB
— Lauren Due (@LaurenDue12) May 17, 2022
Happening now in the Chadwick Beach section of Toms River – rescue crews working to free two teens who got trapped when a sand hole collapsed. Pics provided by a friend near the scene. I am working on getting more info @News12NJ pic.twitter.com/5BXt1mar4M
— Jim Murdoch (@ReporterJim) May 17, 2022
🚨Team work as they pass buckets of sand to try to rescue a juvenile trapped in the sand. @News12NJDesk pic.twitter.com/EgSsEviIHb
— Lauren Due (@LaurenDue12) May 17, 2022
🚨 Firefighters are deep in the sand. Tops of their heads are barely visible. Passing buckets of sand. @News12NJDesk pic.twitter.com/6KppKjXw2y
— Lauren Due (@LaurenDue12) May 17, 2022
Police later confirmed 18-year-old Levy Caverley, a resident of Maine, and his sister, 17, were digging a deep hole when the sand around them collapsed, causing them to be trapped.
Levy Caverley was killed and his sister was treated for unknown injuries, officials said.