Snowmobiler Busts Through Ice Into Oakland County Lake

HIGHLAND TOWNSHIP (WWJ) - An Oakland County man is doing OK, according to authorities, after his snowmobile smashed through thin ice into Highland Lake over the weekend.

Oakland County Sheriff's officials say the man and his vehicle fell into the frigid water while he was snowmobiling on the lake, shortly before 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

Deputies with the dive team were called out to the scene for a rescue, but some Good Samaritans who live in the area helped the man get out of the water before authorities arrived.

He was taken by EMS to  Huron Valley Hospital where he was treated and released.

Sheriff's officials say the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has been notified regarding the removal of the snowmobile from the lake.

The man's name wasn't released.

Authorities across the state warn residents that, because of rising and falling temperatures, that ice can be unstable and no ice should be assumed safe at any time. Ice on any body of water should be at least 5 inches thick in order to walk, skate or fish on it.