Maine Woman Seriously Hurt When Snowmobile Hits a NH Ice Shack
A Maine woman sustained serious injuries when the snowmobile she was driving crashed into an ice fishing shack in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Fish and Game says the accident was reported at approximately 4:30 Sunday afternoon, in the boat launch area of Manahan Park, near Hillsboro. 20-year-old Jennie Larson of Biddeford was operating an unregistered Arctic Cat snowmobile when it appears she pinned the sled's throttle and traveled south on the lake. It was her first time riding a snowmobile and so she was not familiar with the basics, like turning or stopping. The sled continued to accelerate, traveling at a high rate of speed, until it crashed into a bob-house, tearing a hole in its side. A bob-house is an ice fishing shack with ski's on the bottom, so it can be easily transported onto a frozen lake or pond.
Larson was ejected from the snowmobile, and landed inside the bob-house. The sled ended up behind the shack. The woman's friends called 911, prompting a response from several police and fire-rescue departments. They transported Larson to Concord Hospital for further evaluation and treatment of serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. Officials say she was not wearing a helmet, at the time of the accident. The snowmobile and bob-house were heavily damaged.
The crash remains under investigation by New Hampshire Fish and Game, but officials say it appears inexperience and speed were the primary contributing factor.
The Maine Snowmobile Association emphasizes the importance of always wearing a helmet, even on short trips, and always maintaining control of your sled. Find more information on snowmobile safety on the Maine Snowmobile Association's website.