Two Vehicles Fell Through Ice in Dodge County

Two vehicles fell through the ice in Dodge County on Sunday.

The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office along with Fire, EMS and the Wisconsin State Patrol responded to two separate incidents involving vehicles breaking through the frozen surface of two different Dodge County lakes during 2nd shift on Sunday, January 15, 2017. 

At about 5:43 PM, a car broke through the ice on Lake Sinissippi near Hustisford. 

Both occupants, a 20 year driver and his 18 year old passenger, both from Washington County, were able to escape the car and walk to shore where a family allowed them in their home until help arrived.  Neither occupant was injured or transported by EMS. 

The pair were just out driving the car and not ice fishing.  Inexperience on the ice and unfamiliarity with the frozen lake and its current conditions were likely factors in this incident.

Later, shortly after 9 PM, a pickup operated by a 55 year old rural Fox Lake resident broke through the ice of Fox Lake after fishing on the lake throughout the day. 

The man and his dog were both able to escape the vehicle and sought help on shore. 

The truck went through near Indian Point and close to the river channel area. 

The man and his dog were warmed by Fox Lake EMS and not transported.  The man was arrested for OWI 5th offense by a sheriff’s deputy and transported to jail.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be following up with the operators and requires vehicles which fall through the ice to be removed by the owner within 30 days. 

Lebanon EMS, Hustisford First Responders and Fire Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, Fox Lake Fire and EMS assisted at the scenes of the incidents.  Certain traffic laws, including OWI, do apply to operating motor vehicles on the frozen surface of lakes in the state.