Alaska teen hospitalized after moose crash on icy Anchorage highway
Firefighters used hydraulic tools to extract the 18-year-old driver, who sustained brain bruising and a broken hand during Monday night's collision.
By Pedro Salazar ·
An 18-year-old woman remains in intensive care after her vehicle collided with a moose on an icy roadway in Anchorage, Alaska, on Monday night. Her mother, Megan Stone, stated that medical staff have expressed surprise at her daughter's survival given the severity of the impact.
Stone said her daughter, Autumn, was driving home when the animal entered the road. Stone indicated that Autumn likely had no time to brake. Firefighters discovered the vehicle heavily damaged with the driver trapped inside. Multiple crews utilized Jaws of Life hydraulic rescue tools to cut her free.
Jason Dolph, an Anchorage firefighter, explained the physics of such collisions. He noted that a moose can become suspended in the air after being struck at highway speeds. In this incident, the animal landed on the hood, windshield, and roof. Dolph stated that forces ranging from 30,000 to 40,000 pounds are often exerted onto the car during these events.
Cory Stantorf, a Fish and Game Biologist, reported that the Anchorage area typically experiences about 100 moose-vehicle collisions per year. He identified the current period as one where incidents begin to rise. Stantorf attributed this to moose migration patterns during the rutting season. He also cited the lack of visual contrast in pitch-black conditions without snow on the ground.
Stantorf advised drivers to reduce speed because reaction times are shorter than in summer months. He noted that both commuters and students are traveling in the dark during this time. The biologist emphasized the need for caution as visibility is reduced.
As of Wednesday, Stone reported that Autumn was still in the ICU and was expected to stay for several days. She listed the injuries as brain bruising, lacerations, and a broken hand. Stone said she did not observe any catastrophic injuries. She viewed photos of the wreck and expressed relief that her daughter survived.
Stone described the photos as horrifying but expressed gratitude for her daughter's survival. She said she could now put into context how close the family came to losing her. The mother reiterated that medical professionals from EMTs to doctors have been amazed that Autumn is alive.
Source: WCJB
