One person killed after snowmobilers go through the ice on northern Ont. lake

A deadly snowmobile plunge on Bay Lake in the Latchford, Ont., area spurs safety warnings. OPP and fire officials are urging thorough ice checks.

One person was killed Monday afternoon when two snowmobile riders went through the ice on Bay Lake in the area of Latchford, Ont.

The incident occurred before 3 p.m. Ontario Provincial Police, local fire, rescue and emergency medical services all responded to the scene.

In a news release Tuesday morning, the OPP said three people were snowmobiling Monday when two of them went through the ice and became trapped.

“Additional emergency resources were deployed, including the Latchford Fire Department, the Temiskaming Shores Fire Department and its Ice Water Rescue Team and drone, as well as Ornge air ambulance,” police said.

“After a courageous and coordinated effort by several rescuers, both individuals were pulled from the water and transported to hospital. Despite life-saving efforts, one of the snowmobilers was pronounced deceased at hospital. The second individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries.”

The OPP reminded outdoor enthusiasts to exercise extreme caution when travelling on frozen waterways.

“Ice conditions can be unpredictable, and checking ice thickness and safety before venturing out is essential,” police said.