Firefighters Extract 18-Year-Old Driver from Moose-Crushed Car in Anchorage

Firefighters in Anchorage, Alaska, used hydraulic rescue tools to extract an 18-year-old driver from a badly damaged vehicle following a collision with a moose on Monday night. The driver, Autumn Stone, was trapped inside the car when crews arrived at the scene on an icy road.

Megan Stone, the driver’s mother, stated that her daughter was driving home when the moose entered the roadway. Stone said she does not believe Autumn had time to apply the brakes. Multiple fire crews were required to cut the girl out of the vehicle using Jaws of Life equipment.

Anchorage firefighter Jason Dolph explained the mechanics of such impacts, noting that moose are especially dangerous when struck at highway speeds. Dolph described how the animal becomes suspended in the air upon impact. In this specific case, the moose landed on the hood, windshield, and roof of the car. Dolph said forces ranging from 30,000 to 40,000 pounds were applied to the vehicle during the crash.

Cory Stantorf, a Fish and Game Biologist, reported that the Anchorage area typically experiences about 100 moose-vehicle collisions annually. Stantorf noted that these incidents increase during this time of year due to the rut, when bulls follow cows. He added that morning commutes occur in pitch-black conditions with little contrast, making it difficult for drivers to spot the animals. Stantorf advised drivers to slow down because reaction times are shorter than in summer.

As of Wednesday, Autumn Stone was still receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit. Megan Stone said her daughter is expected to remain in the ICU for several days. The injuries include brain bruising, lacerations, and a broken hand. Stone said there were no catastrophic injuries.

Megan Stone said she has viewed photographs of the wreck and was relieved that her daughter survived. She noted that medical staff, from EMTs to doctors, have expressed amazement at her survival. Stone described the experience of seeing the damage to the car but expressed gratitude that she could put the close call into context.