Methuen hill closed after three are injured in sledding crashes

Methuen police have closed a city hill to sledding after three sled crashes there, including one so serious that a woman had to be transported by medical helicopter to a Boston hospital.

Over the weekend, a 22-year-old, 17-year-old, and 11-year-old were all injured while sledding on the popular hill at Greycourt Park. The victims suffered head, back, and lower extremity injuries, Methuen Police Lieutenant Michael Pappalardo said. He did not say which victims suffered which injuries.

“We’re not trying to prevent anyone from recreation or having any fun,” he said. The hill remains open to pedestrians and for other uses.

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“As a result of what transpired and to prevent any further injury, taking public safety into consideration, people were not allowed to utilize the hill for sledding purposes,” Pappalardo said.

The hill, maintained by the city and located adjacent to Methuen City Hall, “could be considered hazardous,” with multiple obstacles such as downed trees, tree stumps, rocks, and boulders, Pappalardo said.

No further details were immediately available.