New Hampshire's governor says two people are dead and one is missing after falling through the ice on a lake in the state.
Gov. Chris Sununu told reporters Saturday evening there have been multiple accidents throughout New Hampshire involving snowmobiles and sleds.
Sununu confirmed the fatalities in two different locations of Lake Winnipesaukee and issued the following statement, "While the heavy snow from from our recent winter storm provides for optimum conditions for winter sports like snowmobiling, they also create hazards and we must be cautious. Today's tragic accidents at Lake Winnipesaukee remind us that even in the best of winters our lakes can be highly unpredictable. There will always be areas of thin ice and open water that need to be avoided to ensure safety. Be careful and be aware of your surroundings. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time."
Both accidents were on the northern end of the lake. The Republican governor said there is still one person missing on the southern side. No one has been identified.
Thousands of people were on the lake for an annual ice fishing derby but Sununu said authorities don't believe there was any direct involvement between the derby and the accidents.
He urged people to use caution and to avoid open water.
