Watch CBS News

Man Escapes After Truck Crashes Through Lake Winnipesaukee

MERIDITH, N.H. (AP) — A pickup truck has crashed through the ice on Lake Winnipesaukee but the driver escaped.

State officials say 44-year-old John Ash was headed out about 5:30 a.m. Friday to set up a vending station for this weekend's New England Pond Hockey Classic.

About 100 yards offshore, where the ice was about 4 inches thick, Ash heard the ice crack. He tried reversing but the truck went nose first into the lake. The water was about 6 feet deep and Ash escaped safely.

Truck Through Ice
A truck fell through thin ice on Lake Winnipesaukee. (Image Credit: New Hampshire Fish and Game)

Moving water apparently kept the ice from getting thicker there. About 30 feet away, the ice was 10 inches thick.

The truck has been removed from the lake.

Officials caution lake users to be sure of ice thickness and remember that it varies from spot to spot.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.