Indiana Conservation Officers are reporting that a twelve year old girl and a twleve year old boy have died after falling through the ice.
An Indiana Conservation Officer Public Safety Diver was able to rescue both victims. The first victim was rescued within twenty minutes upon arrival and the second victim was rescued within forty minutes of arrival.
It was estimated both subjects had been under water at least half an hour before being rescued. Both were taken to Memorial Hospital in Jasper for treatment where they died of their injures.
The accident happened in southern Pike County and was dispatched at around 5:15 pm. The reason for being on the ice is unknown at this time and is still under investigation.
Responding agencies included the Pike County Sheriffs Department, Petersburg City Police Department, Lockhart Township Fire Department, Patoka Township Fire Department, Spurgeon Fire Department, Pike County EMS and Indiana Conservation Officers.
Names are being withheld until family has all been notified. This press release will be updated tomorrow morning. Autopsies are scheduled for Saturday December 17th 2016. No foul play is expected.
It is recommended to have at least four inches of ice to support the weight of a person and to always wear a life jacket. No ice should be considered safe ice. For more information on ice safety please visit the link below:
