Two People Injured In Snowmobile Incidents In Northern New Hampshire

STEWARTSTOWN, NH - A Raymond man was injured after being ejected from a snowmobile in Stewartstown, according to New Hampshire Fish and Game.

Saturday Fish and Game was notified of a snowmobile crash on Corridor Trail 5 in Stewartstown at about 8:00 p.m.. An emergency response was initiated by the Colebrook Fire Department and 45th Parallel EMS.

Conservation Officers identified the operator as Christopher Guilherme, 36, of Raymond, who they say was traveling south on Corridor Trail 5 near Coleman State Park when he was unable to navigate a right-hand turn in the trail.

Guilherme collided with a tree, was ejected from his snowmobile, and suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries. His riding companions were able to evaluate his injuries and ultimately called 911 for assistance.

Guilherme was placed onto a backboard, and with the use of the Colebrook Fire Department Argo, he was transported a short distance down the trail to an awaiting 45th Parallel EMS ambulance.

Guilherme was transported to Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital in Colebrook for treatment of his injuries.

At this time, Fish and Game say the investigation into the cause of the crash is still ongoing, but scene evaluation and statements from other riding companions show inexperience appears to be the leading factor.

Earlier in the day in Errol, at about 2:00 p.m., Sandra Ouellette, 58, of Broad Brook, Connecticut, was operating a snowmobile on the Corridor 19 Trail in Errol when she lost control and crashed. While navigating a turn in the trail, Ouellette attempted to brake but unintentionally grabbed the throttle with her right hand instead of the brake with her left hand.

This sudden acceleration caused Ouellette and her snowmobile to travel off the trail and over an embankment into a ditch. Ouellette was thrown from her snowmobile and sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Ouellette was riding in the middle of a group of acquaintances at the time of the crash. Her companions were able to render immediate assistance and place a call to 911. A response from the Errol Fire Department, Errol Rescue, and Conservation Officers began.

Errol Fire Department and Rescue personnel could utilize their tracked UTV to respond to the scene and transport Ouellette to an awaiting ambulance. Ouellette was subsequently transported to Androscoggin Valley Hospital in Berlin for treatment of her injuries.

After an on-scene investigation, it is believed that operator inexperience played a primary role in this crash. Saturday was Ouellette’s first snowmobile ride of the season; she was wearing a helmet with eye protection during the crash.

Conservation Officers would like to use this incident to remind snowmobile users of the importance of always utilizing protective gear when operating or riding snowmobiles.