Boy rescued from quicksand near Washita River

Photo Courtesy: Tishomingo Fire Department 

(JOHNSTON COUNTY, Okla.) A 12-year-old boy is recovering after being rescued from quicksand at the Washita River Wednesday night. 

The Tishomingo Fire Department said the child was fishing with his dad near the north end of South McAdams Road when he got bored and decided to play along the edge of the water. 

We’re told when firefighters got there, one of the child’s legs was buried to his knee. His father had managed to free the other one.

After nearly an hour, and despite struggling not to sink themselves, firefighters were able to free the child’s second leg by using driftwood and tree limbs to create a platform. 

He suffered from hypothermia and a loss of feeling in his leg. 

Firefighters said in addition to hypothermia, quicksand can cause "crush syndrome" where extended pressure from the sand on muscles, nerves, and the circulatory system can cause severe injury to the body.

They said it was good the river was not rising at the time,  which would have created a more life threatening situation.

Johnston County EMS treated the child at the scene. 

He was then taken to a local hospital by private vehicle for evaluation.