Ely, MN (April 30, 2026) – An ambulance driver hit and killed a moose early Monday, April 27, on Highway 169 near Ely.
The crash happened around 12:40 a.m. while the ambulance was taking a patient to Saint Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. The moose was standing in the westbound lane when the driver saw it and tried to brake.
Before impact, the driver warned the people in the back of the ambulance to hold on. The ambulance struck the moose at about 45 miles per hour, and the animal hit the windshield before the vehicle went into a ditch.
The patient was moved to another ambulance and taken to a hospital. The crew was also taken to a hospital for evaluation, and officials reported injuries that were not serious.
The incident remains under review by authorities. Additional details may become available as authorities continue their review. We are thinking of those injured as they receive medical care.
How Wildlife Crashes Can Affect Emergency Vehicles
Wildlife crashes can be dangerous for any driver, but they may create added risks for emergency vehicles carrying patients. Large animals, such as moose, can cause major damage because of their height and weight. A windshield impact can also put people inside the vehicle at risk.
Drivers often have little time to react when an animal appears in the roadway. Braking may reduce the force of impact, but it may not prevent a crash if the animal is close. Swerving can also create danger, especially on dark or rural roads.
After this type of crash, patients and crew members may need medical checks even if injuries seem minor. Vehicle damage can also require a replacement ambulance to continue patient care.
