Seven people were transported to the hospital following a two-vehicle accident in Rock Valley on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.
According to the Rock Valley Police Department, the crash occurred at approximately 4:45 p.m. on Highway 18 near Fig Avenue/28th Avenue. Authorities say 78-year-old Lawrence Vander Esch of Hull was driving a 2017 Chevrolet eastbound when he failed to observe traffic ahead and struck a 2020 Chrysler driven by 34-year-old Nicole Bruinsma of Rock Valley.
Police report that Bruinsma was also traveling eastbound and had slowed with her turn signal activated while preparing to turn left, or northbound.
Vander Esch declined medical treatment at the scene, though an officer later transported him to Hegg Health Center Avera Hospital. Bruinsma and five children were transported by Rock Valley Ambulance to Hegg Health Center Avera Hospital for evaluation.
The Chevrolet sustained an estimated $15,000 in damage and was considered totaled, while the Chrysler sustained approximately $10,000 in damage.
Vander Esch was cited for following too closely.
