Decaying trees caused hole in Mount Baldy that swallowed boy in 2013, scientists say

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. (WLS) -- Scientists now know what causes a hole to open up at the Indiana Dunes three years ago, swallowing a six-year-old boy and nearly killing him.

Fungi on decaying trees formed a type of glue that formed empty spaces underneath the sand, scientists say. Those empty spaces can then collapse.

The process left holes more than 10 feet deep in some places.

Mount Baldy has been closed since emergency crews pulled Nathan Woessner from a hole in 2013.

There's still no word on whether the park will reopen.