Alaska Teen Survives Moose Crash
Firefighters used hydraulic tools to extract Autumn Stone from a crushed vehicle on an icy Anchorage road.
By Rebecca Foster ·
Autumn Stone, an 18-year-old driver in Anchorage, Alaska, is recovering in the intensive care unit after a high-speed collision with a moose. The accident occurred Monday night while she was traveling on an icy roadway. Her mother, Megan Stone, stated that medical professionals expressed surprise at her survival.
Megan Stone described the moment of impact. She said her daughter was driving home when a moose entered the vehicle's path. Stone indicated that Autumn did not have sufficient time to apply the brakes. Firefighters arrived at the scene to find the vehicle severely damaged. Autumn was trapped inside the cabin. Multiple crews utilized Jaws of Life hydraulic rescue equipment to cut her free from the wreckage.
Anchorage firefighter Jason Dolph explained the physics of such collisions. He noted that moose are hazardous targets at highway speeds because their mass creates a secondary impact. Dolph said the animal typically becomes suspended in the air after being struck. When the moose lands back on the vehicle, the force is extreme. In this specific incident, the animal landed on the hood, windshield, and roof. Dolph stated that the car experienced forces of 30,000 to 40,000 pounds.
Cory Stantorf, a Fish and Game Biologist, provided context on regional collision rates. He reported that the Anchorage area experiences approximately 100 moose-vehicle collisions annually. However, incidents increase during the current season. Stantorf attributed the rise to moose moving during the rut. He also noted that drivers and students commute in pitch-black conditions. Without snow to provide contrast, the animals are harder to see. Stantorf advised drivers to reduce speed due to shorter reaction times compared to summer months.
As of Wednesday, Autumn remained in the ICU. Megan Stone said her daughter is expected to stay in the intensive care unit for several days. The injuries include brain bruising, lacerations, and a broken hand. Stone said the injuries do not appear catastrophic. She viewed photographs of the damaged vehicle and expressed relief that her daughter survived the event.
Megan Stone reflected on the nearness of the outcome. She described seeing the wreck photos as horrifying but noted her gratitude for context. She said she could see how close the family came to losing her daughter.
