Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a snowmobile accident that occurred around 4 p.m. Sunday on Norfolk Southern rail road property in Goshen.
Travis Eppert, 41, of Goshen, sustained rib fractures and internal injuries as a result of the accident.
Eppert was operating a snowmobile while hauling a passenger, identified as Stacey Callahan, 43, also of Goshen. Eppert drove his snowmobile into a snowbank with enough speed to cause the snowmobile to go airborne. When the machine hit the ground it caused Epperts’ chest to slam into the handlebars resulting in his injuries.
Eppert drove the snowmobile home, but quickly began experiencing medical problems. Callahan called 911 and Goshen Fire, Goshen Police Department and Goshen EMS personnel responded to the call. Eppert was flown from his residence by Memorial Med Flight to Memorial Hospital in South Bend where he is being treated in the intensive care unit for his injuries.
The investigation is ongoing and Indiana Conservation Officers are being assisted by the Norfolk Southern Rail Road Police. Indiana Conservation Officers want to remind all terrain vehicle operators to operate their snowmobiles or four wheelers on land where they have first secured permission to operate on. It is unlawful to trespass on Norfolk Southern Rail Road property.
Indiana Conservation Officers ask snowmobile operators to ride responsibly. Ride within your limits especially when hauling passengers. Do not attempt to “ramp” snowbanks or any other terrain structure as this can lead to serious injuries or death. Always wear a helmet and ride only on land that you have permission to ride on and are familiar with.