Moose impact forces 18-year-old into Anchorage ICU after high-speed collision

An 18-year-old driver remains in the intensive care unit in Anchorage after her car was crushed by a moose during a collision on an icy road Monday night. The crash occurred as Autumn Stone was driving home when the animal entered the roadway. Her mother, Megan Stone, stated that Autumn had no time to apply the brakes before the impact.

Firefighters arrived to find the vehicle severely damaged and the driver trapped inside. Multiple crews used Jaws of Life hydraulic rescue tools to extract her. Jason Dolph, an Anchorage firefighter, explained that moose pose a specific danger at highway speeds. He noted that the animal became suspended in the air upon impact and then landed on the hood, windshield, and roof area of the car. Dolph said the crash generated forces ranging from 30,000 to 40,000 pounds against the vehicle.

Cory Stantorf, a Fish and Game Biologist, provided context on the frequency of such incidents in the region. He stated that the Anchorage area typically experiences about 100 moose-vehicle collisions annually. Stantorf noted that these incidents increase during the current period due to mating season behavior and reduced visibility. He explained that drivers commute and students travel to school in pitch-black conditions without the contrast of snow on the ground. Stantorf advised that drivers need to reduce speed because reaction times are shorter than in the summer months.

Megan Stone said on Wednesday that her daughter remained in the ICU and was expected to stay for several more days. She reported that Autumn suffered brain bruising, lacerations, and a broken hand. Stone said there were no catastrophic injuries beyond those listed. She viewed photographs of the wreck and described the scene as horrifying but expressed gratitude that her daughter survived. Stone quoted the EMTs and doctors as saying they were amazed that Autumn was alive after the ordeal.

The incident occurred on a road near Anchorage where icy conditions contributed to the lack of braking distance. The moose landed directly on the upper structure of the car, causing the extensive damage that required hydraulic rescue equipment. The driver was the only person in the vehicle at the time of the crash. Local officials are monitoring the area for increased wildlife activity during the morning and evening commute hours.