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Boy Rescued After Being Trapped Under Boulder In Laguna Beach

LAGUNA BEACH (CBS) — Firefighters, who rescued a teen trapped by a boulder, returned to Aliso Beach in Laguna Beach Wednesday, where a sign now stands warning of the danger.

The teen became trapped when his right leg was pinned by a boulder weighing about 1,000 pounds.

"Pinned his thigh above and below the knee and there was no moving, I mean he was not going to move," said Chief Dan Stefano of the Laguna Beach Fire Department.

The teen was playing with his friend on the beach. Firefighters say he was climbing the rocks when the sand under then gave way, shifting the boulders and trapping him.

"We had the tide coming in and the rocks lined up in a domino effect," said Captain Bobby Scruggs of the Laguna Beach Fire Department.

Scruggs responded to help the boy. Waves sprayed firefighters as they worked.

The rocks were put in place for erosion control. The beach has already seen 5 feet of erosion this year, exposing the rocks, according to fire Captain Gary Ganger.

Firefighters used airbags to lift the rocks and free the teen.

"We would move the boulder a little bit, we would crib to make sure we had space and little by little that allowed us enough space to get him out," Chief Stefano said.

The teen did not suffer any major injuries in the ordeal.

The rescue was an important moment for Captain Scruggs -- it was his last day on the job after 31 years.

"It was a success and that's a good way to end a career," Scruggs said.

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