MONTALTO DI CASTRO, Italy — A 17-year-old boy suffocated to death after being buried alive in a tragic accident on a beach in north-west Italy, local reports confirmed.

The teenager, identified in Italian media as Riccardo B., was vacationing with his family at the popular Montalto di Castro beach, near the border of the Tarquinia region, when the incident occurred.

According to Daily Mail, Riccardo had dug a tunnel in the sand and attempted to crawl through it when the structure collapsed, trapping him underneath. Witnesses said the collapse left no visible sign on the surface.

Locals noted the extreme weight of sand in such accidents, which can become fatal if the victim is fully buried.

Emergency crews rushed to the scene but were reportedly unable to revive the teen. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.