Hooksett, N.H : Two Teens Injured When Van Strikes Snowmobile In New Hampshire on Sunday afternoon, March 8, 2015

Two teenage boys are recovering Monday morning after a van slammed into their snowmobile in Hooksett Sunday afternoon.

Police say Gavin Ranlett, 13, was riding a snowmobile away from his parents’ house in Hooksett, New Hampshire, around 1:30 p.m.

Gavin’s father Scott Ranlett says his son was driving, and the two 13-year-olds were headed to the snowmobile trails.

“This is something they do frequently,” Scott said.

Gavin was reportedly crossing Whitehall Road when a white van struck the snowmobile. Hooksett police officers say neither driver saw the other due to a curve in the road and a high snowbank.

But his father saw the accident happen, and ran over to find his son lying in a snow bank.

“It's very emotional. You see your son laying there and at first, you don't know if he's alive or expired but thank God he's alive,” Scott said.

Gavin’s brothers Brent and Trevor Ranlett also watched it happen.

“He was just crossing the street and he didn't see the van come around and it just hit him and they went flying off,” Brent said.

“My brother, he was just yelling for help and telling that his leg hurt and his back,” Trevor said.

Gavin was transported to the hospital with serious injuries. Gavin’s family says he broke at least three bones and bruised his lung.

Scott Rantlett says Gavin’s friend suffered a broken leg.

“They're being taken care of right now and we can just hope for the best,” Scott said.

Sgt. Matthew Burke of the Hooksett Police Department says the two teens have their snowmobile certifications, were wearing helmets, and had adult supervision.

But Burke says even meeting all those precautions, snowmobiling can still be dangerous.

“Right now, especially with all the snowfall that we've had, if you guys are out on snowmobiles and for the vehicles traveling down the road, just be aware that the snowbanks are very high and you're not going to see people, even regular cars coming from driveways,” Burke said.

Source :
2 teens on snowmobile injured in collision with van, police say snowbank in the way