Teen Trapped In Sinkhole Talks Exclusively With CBS2
NEWPORT BEACH (CBS) — Matt Mina, 17, knows he is lucky to be alive.
Wednesday afternoon, a sinkhole he dug on Newport Beach caved in around him.
He tells CBS2's Stacey Butler he counted every breath.
Newport Beach lifeguards and scores of people began digging him out. He told Butler that he thought he was going to die.
The lifeguards were able to free the teen after about about a half-hour. "I didn't think anyone could hear me screaming."
During his ordeal, Mina tells Butler he lost consciousness. "You have no idea how heavy six feet of sand feels."
Mina was ultimately rescued and taken to Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian.
He was treated and released. He's in good condition. A lot scared and a lot rattled.
Mina told Butler he wanted to express his extreme gratitude for all the people who worked at saving his life today. And he added, he hoped what happened to him Wednesday would serve as a cautionary tale to others...no more digging at the beach.
