CONTACT:
Conservation Officer Sgt. Matthew Holmes
603-788-4850
603-271-3361
March 3, 2025
Berlin, NH – On the afternoon of Saturday, March 1, 2025, an occupant of a snowmobile was injured after the machine rolled while negotiating a road crossing in the trail.
At approximately 3:45 p.m., James and Paula Viera of North Darmouth, MA, were enjoying an afternoon snowmobile ride with friends on Trail 109 in the area of York Pond Road. While crossing the road, the skis of the Viera’s rented snowmobile slid on the pavement and caused the machine to go up on the snowbank along the road. As a result of this, control of the snowmobile was lost and it subsequently rolled over in the road. During the crash, Paula Viera, who had been a passenger on the machine, sustained a significant torso injury.
Following the rollover, both James Viera and a riding companion made calls to 911 for help. As a result of these calls, personnel from Berlin Fire, Berlin EMS, Berlin Police and two New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Conservation Officers responded to assist.
James and Paula Viera were both located by responders at the trail crossing on York Pond Road. Both were subsequently taken by ambulance to Androscoggin Valley Hospital in Berlin for further evaluation and treatment of injuries. Although serious, Paula Viera’s injuries were believed to be non-life-threatening.
During the investigation into this incident, it was learned that both James and Paula Viera were experienced snowmobilers who had previously owned their own machines. The crash occurred quickly, and James Viera believes that he accidently hit the throttle while hanging on to the handlebars of the machine during the split second that that machine went up onto the snowbank.
Accidents can happen to anyone, which was a fact illustrated by this incident today.