Fish & Game report 2 weekend snowmobile incidents

CONCORD, NH – Alcohol, thin ice and lack of snow were cited by New Hampshire Fish & Game officers as factors contributing to two unrelated snowmobile accidents over the weekend.

⇒Reminder: Off-Highway Recreation Vehicle riders should review the Fish & Game site for safety information before heading out.

Sandown man injured in Snowmobile Accident

On Jan. 17 James Browne, 28, of Sandown was operating his snowmobile on Angle Pond in Sandown at 10:20 p.m. when his snowmobile broke through the ice. A witness on shore saw the snowmobile go through the ice and called 911. Sandown Fire and Rescue, Trinity Ambulance along with Sandown Police and New Hampshire Fish and Game responded.

Browne was able to pull himself out of the water and onto the ice after a short amount of time had passed. He then made his way to shore, where he was located upon the arrival of first-responders. He was transported to Parkland Medical Center in Derry and was treated for non-life threatening injuries. New Hampshire Fish and Game Officers are investigating the accident. At this point in the investigation, alcohol does appear to be a contributing factor.

This is a reminder that you always need to check the ice; conditions are always changing, so be sure it’s safe before venturing onto ice.

Merrimack man injured in Webster crash

On January 18 just before 4 p.m., a 911 call was made from a snowmobiler in the town of Webster reporting that his riding partner was just involved in a crash.  Webster Police Department, Webster Fire Department, members of the Warner Fire Department, Hopkinton Fire & Rescue, and NH Fish and Game Department all rushed to the area and attempted to locate the injured individual.  He was found on Kearsarge Trail Snails, Snowmobile Club Trail 1 in Webster, near the Warner town line.

Ryan Labbe, 27, of Merrimack, was riding with his friend who lives in the area.  Both explained that they were out to “dust off the machines” in hopeful preparation for more riding to come this winter.  The trails are currently snow covered, but given the minimal amounts of snow, have not yet had enough snow to be groomed this year.  Labbe suffered a severe leg injury and was transported to Concord Hospital.

Both riders were wearing the proper gear for snowmobiling, including helmets.  Rough conditions on the trail were a likely cause for Labbe to lose control and strike the trees on the edge of the trail. Fish & Game reports that Labbe was fortunate to have “so many professional first responders available” to assess, treat and carry him from the woods in a timely manner.

Riders are reminded to expect the unexpected while riding the trails this winter.  Proper gear, safety equipment, knowledge of what to do in an emergency, and riding with a buddy are all critical to keep in mind when heading out for a ride.