Truck Falls Through Ice on Pontoosuc Lake, City Issues Warning
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A pickup truck broke through thin ice on Pontoosuc Lake Saturday, but all four individuals fishing nearby safely evacuated without injury.
On Saturday, Dec. 28, at 4:17 p.m., the Pittsfield Fire Department responded to a report of a motor vehicle that had fallen through the ice on Pontoosuc Lake near 239 Narragansett Avenue. Initial reports did not indicate whether any rescues were needed.
Fire crews, including Car 2, Engine 3, Tower 2, Engine 5/Rescue 2, and Action Ambulance Medic 91, arrived to find four civilians who had safely evacuated the area without injuries.
The incident occurred approximately 40-60 feet offshore behind 261 Narragansett Avenue, on the Pittsfield-Lanesborough line. The group, ice fishing at the time, had parked a 2023 Chevy Sierra 2500 pickup truck on the ice, which broke through.
Lanesborough and Pittsfield police, along with the Environmental Police, were notified, and the Environmental Protection Agency was also contacted.
There were no injuries reported.
The Pittsfield Fire Department is urging the public to stay off the ice on all bodies of water, emphasizing that recent weather has not produced the sustained freezing temperatures needed to form thick, stable ice. Both foot traffic and motorized vehicles are unsafe.
Ice Safety Guidelines
Fluctuating temperatures and flowing waters degrade ice conditions. When venturing onto ice, it should always be considered as potentially dangerous.
It is also important to know that newly frozen ice is actually stronger than old ice. For example, 4 inches of clear, newly formed ice may support one person on foot, while a foot or more of old, partially thawed ice may not.
The Massachusetts Environmental Police wants to remind everyone that on state-owned properties a minimum ice thickness of 5 inches is required for recreation vehicle operation upon authorized frozen waterways.
Also, local cities and towns may place different restrictions as allowing motorized vehicles on frozen waterways. When in doubt, it is best to check with local authorities.
Never venture onto the ice alone and let someone know if you are going onto the ice.
