12-year-old boy stable after sand cave collapses on him in Surf City

SURF CITY (WABC) -- A 12-year-old boy is in stable condition after a sand cave collapsed on top of him at a New Jersey beach Monday.

The incident happened around 1:45 p.m. in Surf City.

Lifeguards responded immediately and began rescue procedures, with police, fire and EMS also dispatching units.

He was flown to the hospital via Medivac, with authorities saying he was stable by the time he was airborne.

Officials say the incident was the result of the victim digging in the sand, which caused the sand to collapse on him and bury him.

The town does not permit this type of digging on the beach as a way to prevent these incidents.

Surf City police praised the performance of their emergency response system.