TRIO FALLS THROUGH ICE INTO RITCHIE RESERVOIR

(02/16/2011)
Men fell through the ice at a Ritchie County reservoir, escaping what could have been a tragedy.

Three men went fishing at the Pennsboro reservoir Sunday, when one of the three fell through the ice, according to the Pennsboro Fire Department.

A man who went to rescue him also fell through the ice, as a bystander called 911.

Officials said a man living near the reservoir tied a rope to his motorcycle to try to pull them out.

Reports said the cyclist was able to get one of the men out, but eventually broke though the ice himself.

Ellenboro and Pennsboro firemen arrived and used a rescue pontoon to pull the remaining men to shore.

The first fisherman was in the icy water for about 25 minutes. He was taken by chopper to Charleston Area Medical Center.

The other two men were not hospitalized.