Rock Valley, Iowa– Seven people were taken to the hospital after an accident in Rock Valley on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.
The Rock Valley Police Department reports that at about 4:45 p.m., 78-year-old Lawrence Vander Esch of Hull was driving a 2017 Chevrolet eastbound on Highway 18, near Fig Avenue/28th Avenue in Rock Valley. They tell us that 34-year-old Nicole Bruinsma of Rock Valley was also eastbound on 18 in a 2020 Chrysler.
The report says that Bruinsma was preparing to turn northbound, or left. She had stepped on the brakes and her turn signal was on, says the report. It says Vander Esch failed to observe the situation and struck the Bruinsma vehicle.
The report says Vander Esch refused medical treatment, but it also says a police officer took him to Hegg Health Center Avera Hospital.
The Rock Valley Ambulance took Bruinsma and five children to Hegg Health Center Avera Hospital.
Vander Esch’s Chevrolet sustained $15,000 in damages, and was considered totaled. Bruinsma’s Chrysler sustained $10,000 in damages.
Vander Esch was charged with following too closely.
