A car incident occurred last week at the Hillcrest Rehabilitation Center, with a vehicle veering off the road and colliding with the building, leading to minor injuries and a DWI investigation. The Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office reported that on June 26, at 7:23 p.m., first responders were called to the scene at 714 South Bend Avenue in South Bend Township, following the incident. According to the Sheriff's Office, 72-year-old Alice Lenora Laukkonen was driving her 2023 Volkswagen Jetta northbound on County Road 33 when her vehicle unexpectedly left the roadway.
Laukkonen's car struck the west side of the rehabilitation center, resulting in one resident to sustain minor injuries and a subsequent transport to MCHS for additional treatment. Despite the crash, all residents were fortunately able to remain onsite for the night, being relocated within the building to ensure safety and comfort. Laukkonen also sustained minor injuries in the accident and deputies, detecting signs of impairment, processed her for DWI. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials are waiting to definitively proceed pending the results of a chemical test.
In the wake of the crash, the Sheriff’s Office has remained in close contact with Hillcrest Management to extend any further assistance needed. The response to the incident included the South Bend Fire, Mankato DPS Police and Fire, and Mayo Ambulance, who all played roles in the management of the situation and ensuring the safety of the residents and driver. The community was reassured that the response teams had effectively managed the scene and that the resident who was injured received prompt medical attention.
