Resident killed, driver injured after van crashed through Knoxville, Iowa care facility

A van crashed through a Knoxville nursing home facility, leaving one dead and one injured on Monday afternoon.

According to an Iowa State Patrol crash report, the accident happened around 3:20 p.m. on Monday, July 15, at Accura HealthCare of Knoxville, a nursing home and assisted living facility with 25 locations across Iowa. The Knoxville location houses 51 residents.

Rebecca Richardson, 70, a resident at the Knoxville Accura location, was reportedly pinned by the car after it crashed through the facility, according to a Facebook post on Tuesday from Accura HealthCare of Knoxville. She was pronounced dead at the Knoxville Hospital.

"We are deeply saddened to report that yesterday’s incident resulted in the tragic loss of one of our residents, Rebecca Richardson," the post said. "We ask that you keep Mrs. Richardson and her family, as well as all others impacted by this incident, in your prayers."

The driver, identified as Doris McComb, 86, of Knoxville, was taken to MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center by helicopter with injuries. She is not a resident of Accura HealthCare of Knoxville. She was driving a 2014 Chrysler Town & Country minivan. Her condition is not known.

Residents were evacuated from the facility but returned later that night. Residents were temporarily placed at the Iowa National Guard Armory and the Knoxville Hospital before returning.

"While it will take some time to repair the damage caused by yesterday’s car accident, we are committed to restoring our community as quickly as we can to the home our residents have grown accustomed to and deserve," the facility's Facebook post said.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, the crash remains under investigation.

Kyle Werner is a reporter for the Register. Reach him at kwerner@dmreg.com.