CEDAR LAKE — Two vehicles broke through the ice on Cedar Lake Sunday afternoon, according to Cedar Lake police.
Although all drivers and passengers escaped the vehicles safely, the vehicles remain sunk and frozen overnight, police said, and won't be recovered until Monday.
The first vehicle that sank, a Polaris UTV, was in deep water and sunken to the roof, the police said.
The incidents took place close to Potawatomi Park and Meyer Manor; while the Cedar Lake ice races were held Sunday, the incidents occurred far from the racing area.
Cedar Lake attracts a lot of racers and spectators alike, but apparently some vehicles were either too heavy or strayed beyond the designated area deemed safe by race officials, police said.
Race officials maintain the safety of the area where the races take place, but have no control over what takes place outside their sanctioned events, police said.
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"This area of the lake from shore to shore is not safe or frozen, with open water," Deputy Chief Carl Brittingham said in a statement. "This incident points out the dangers of being on ice, especially with heavy vehicles."
Although the operator of the second UTV fled the scene unharmed, their identity was unknown and the police are asking anyone with information about that operator to contact them. The Cedar Lake Police Department can be reached at 219-374-5416.
GALLERY: The Times Photos of the Week
Chris Henderson and Nate White from Chartwells K12 Food Service prepare samples of Chef Jonathan Zaragoza's Mexican fare at Munster High School Thursday.
Students David Welch and Chloe Smith try samples of Chef Jonathan Zaragoza's Mexican fare at Munster High School Thursday.
Celebrity Chef Jonathan Zaragoza offers samples of Mexican dishes to Munster High School students.
"Beyond Eternal Blue Outer Space, Reading Can Transport You to Anyplace” by Rocco Schiralli is a mural with 100 of the greatest authors of all time located at the Portage Library.
"Beyond Eternal Blue Outer Space, Reading Can Transport You to Anyplace” by Rocco Schiralli is a mural with 100 of the greatest authors of all time located at the Portage Library.
"Beyond Eternal Blue Outer Space, Reading Can Transport You to Anyplace” by Rocco Schiralli is a mural with 100 of the greatest authors of all time located at the Portage Library.
South Central's Jay Huerta drives to the basket on Wednesday in Hebron.
South Central's Jack Haschel is confronted by Hebron's Dakota Zimmer on Wednesday in Hebron.
South Central's Clayten Strauch, left, and Jack Haschel can't stop Hebron's Brody Hale from scoring on Wednesday in Hebron.
Washington Township's Kyle Banker waits to throw in the ball on Wednesday in Hebron.
Morgan Township's Mason Willingham looks to shoot over Washington Township's Connor Parks on Wednesday in Hebron.
Morgan Township's Kaleb Pepper hits a layup on Wednesday in Hebron.
Morgan Township's Josie Lemmons stays close to Hebron's Megan Balas on Tuesday in Valparaiso.
Hebron's Alicia Clark guards Morgan Township's Madi Lemmons on Tuesday in Valparaiso.
Morgan Township's Madi Lemmons prepares to shoot on Tuesday in Valparaiso.
Tri-Township's Jayde Pryor hits a layup on Tuesday in Valparaiso.
Tri-Township's Addison Hendrixson hits two on Tuesday in Valparaiso.
Tri-Township's Jayde Pryor dribbles toward the basket on Tuesday in Valparaiso.
Times Executive Editor Kathy Chaney addresses the Crossroads Chamber of Commerce at the Youche Country Club in Crown Point Tuesday.
Times Executive Editor Kathy Chaney addresses the Crossroads Chamber of Commerce at the Youche Country Club in Crown Point Tuesday.
Times Executive Editor Kathy Chaney addresses the Crossroads Chamber of Commerce at the Youche Country Club in Crown Point Tuesday.
Tom Bennett brings the bacon, fresh from Bennett Farms, at the indoor Chesterton European Market on Saturday, Jan. 18.
Tai Adkins, who has served as president of the Gary Common Council since 2023, was sworn in as Calumet Township Trustee on Jan. 21.
Hammond Central's Ciyah Thomas hits two under the basket on Friday in Hammond.
Hammond Central's Indiah Hutchinson is fouled by Morton's Kylah Patterson on Friday in Hammond.
Hammond Central's Kenisha Grant and Morton's Kylah Patterson go for a rebound on Friday in Hammond.
Hammond Central's Indiah Hutchinson commits an offensive foul against Morton's Branyla Goshay on Friday in Hammond.
As her daughter Estelle looks on, Judge Rebecca Buitendorp is helped with her robe by her husband Seth after being sworn in as the new Porter Circuit Court judge.
As her daughter Estelle looks on, Judge Rebecca Buitendorp is helped with her robe by her husband Seth after being sworn in as the new Porter Circuit Court judge.
Hammond Central had technical audio difficulties at the start of their game against Hammond Morton on Friday in Hammond. Hammond Central's Layla Williams answered the call and volunteered to sing the National Anthem.
