Simsbury Woman Injured In Snowmobile Crash: Authorities

SIMSBURY, CT/CRAWFORD's PURCHASE, N.H. — New Hampshire state authorities said a novice snowmobile rider from Simsbury was badly hurt in an accident on a trail in the state Sunday.

According to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, the victim has been identified as Margaret Victory, 62, of Simsbury.

New Hampshire state officials said Victory crashed the snowmobile she rented near a road junction with a trail in Crawford's Purchase, N.H., at about 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

Authorities said Victory "inadvertently pressed the thumb throttle on the handlebar of the snowmobile" while crossing a roadway.

"Being the first time Victory had ever operated a snowmobile, she failed to let off the throttle until it was too late and she crashed into trees on the side of the trail," wrote the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

Officials said Victory was thrown from the snowmobile on impact and she "sustained a significant leg injury and an unknown upper body injury."

Victory was taken to Littleton Regional Healthcare via Twin Mountain Ambulance, according to authorities.

New Hampshire state officials said the accident was likely caused by Victory's inexperience with riding snowmobiles.

"Victory and her riding group had rented snowmobiles for a 2-hour tour and were being led by an experienced tour guide. Victory was behind the tour guide and all evidence at the scene and statements from the victim revealed that this was not an excessive speed event, it was simply operator unfamiliarity and inexperience with operating a snowmobile," wrote New Hampshire Fish and Game.

"Victory was wearing a helmet and appropriate riding gear at the time of the crash."

Officials urged those renting such snowmobiles to better familiarize themselves with the machine before operating on trails.

For the full New Hampshire Fish and Game Department release, click on this link.