SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Three people are being treated for possible hypothermia after firefighters were called to an ice rescue on Van Horn Pond in Springfield Friday afternoon.
According to the Springfield Fire Department, a 911 call at around 3:02 p.m. sent firefighters to Van Horn Pond for a person in the water. A passerby saw the person in the water and went out on the ice to help, however he also fell through the ice. The passerby was able to push the first victim back on top of the ice from the water.
A third passerby went on the ice and extended his leg to assist the victim. A 13-year-old boy and two adult men were taken to the hospital for possible hypothermia.
While it has been cold enough for ice to form, it hasn’t been cold long enough for the ice to thicken. Always remember to keep off the ice that is 2 inches or less thick. You can ice fish when the ice is at least 4 inches thick. Ice 5 to 6 inches thick will support snowmobiles and ATVs, and 8 to 12 inches of ice will hold cars and small trucks. The ice needs to be 12 to 15 inches thick to support medium-sized trucks.
Currents can create holes in the ice and can make ice thickness unpredictable. Because of these factors, ice can never be considered completely safe. The Fire Department is reminding residents to review ice safety with family and friends.
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Ashley Shook
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