EVERETT, Wash. - A 10-year-old Everett area boy was in critical condition Sunday at Children’s Hospital after being buried in a sandbox by his playmates.

The incident was first reported about 11 a.m. Saturday in the 13800 block of 59th Ave. SE in unincorporated Everett.

Six children, ranging in age from about 8 to 10, were playing in the backyard sandbox at the home of the children.

The 10-year-old boy was being buried in the sand. When the other five children realized he wasn’t breathing, they dug him out and called for help. Adults were home at the time of the incident.

All six children live in the same neighborhood. Some of the children are related.

The 10-year-old boy was first taken to an Everett hospital and later to Children’s Hospital.

Sheriff’s detectives talked to the five children Sunday to piece together the circumstances surrounding the incident.