OKC boy killed, another injured in ravine accident

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A 12-year-old boy died and his 12-year-old friend was hospitalized after they were buried under mounds of dirt in a westside ravine, authorities said.<br><br>Police Capt. Charles

Thursday, November 4th 1999, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A 12-year-old boy died and his 12-year-old friend was hospitalized after they were buried under mounds of dirt in a westside ravine, authorities said.

Police Capt. Charles Allen identified the boy who died as Cuong Q. Ly of Oklahoma City. John Woodcock, 12, suffered minor injuries. Allen said the boys were riding their bicycles in a canal area when dirt on the bank above them broke lose and fell 40 to 50 feet, burying them. Woodcock was submerged in dirt up to his shoulders for nearly five hours. Ly was completely covered with dirt.

Police Lt. Chris Talley said Woodcock's uncle found the boy after the uncle and other family members became concerned when the boy was two hours late getting home.

The family told officers the friends usually biked along a path close to a drainage ditch near Interstate 40 and Council Road, Talley said. Recent rain may have weakened the ravine's bank and contributed to its collapse, Talley said.

Woodcock was in fair condition at Children's Hospital of Oklahoma, suffering from mild hypothermia, a spokesman said.