Ignoring warnings about thin ice is a literal way to end up underwater. But four Massachusetts men decided to ignore these warnings to go fishing. Now they face thousands in fines as their truck fell into a frozen lake. 

4 Massachusetts men ignored warnings to go ice fishing and lost their truck 

Local police departments, EMS teams, and the Pittsfield Fire Department responded to the scene at Ponstoosuc Lake after a 2023 Chevrolet 2500 pickup fell through the ice. 

Four Massachusetts men ignored warnings about thin ice to go ice fishing about 60 feet from the bank and now face thousands in various fines. The owner of the truck faces an expensive repair bill too. 

While no one was hurt, residents were warned to avoid bodies of water because of the lack of strong ice development due to fluctuating temperatures and a recent warmup. 

Now the men serve as an example as to why ignoring this warning comes with a steep price. According to Berkshire Eagle, the Massachusetts Environmental Police the recovery process is expensive and time-consuming. 

EMS Automotive removed the massive truck from the lake with a toe truck, but the process involved three employees and two firefighters. It took over four hours to retrieve. This racked up thousands in towing fees. 

Plus, underwater swimmers may have to dive in with limited breathing equipment to hook the submerged vehicle to a tow truck. They can cost about $600. 

The men could face fines from the Environmental police for violating regulations. If the vehicle leaks fluid, pollutes the water, or damages the ecosystem, the fines could increase by even more thousands. 

Also, the owner of the truck might only have his damages covered by insurance if he decided to spring for comprehensive coverage.