YUMA, Ariz. (AP) - Yuma firefighters rescued an 11-year-old girl who was unhurt but distressed after falling into a newly formed 8-foot (2.4-meter) deep hole after climbing out of an above-ground pool in her backyard.
KYMA-TV reports that the hole was formed Tuesday night when ground next to the pool gave way under the girl and that it appears water splashing from the pool had softened about 20 inches (51 centimeters) of soil above a void possibly left over from an old septic tank.
The Fire Department said the hole was about 3 feet (1 meter) wide and that firefighters lowered a ladder to the girl so she could climb out.
The family had lived in the home for two years and had no idea there was a void under the backyard.
___
