Watch CBS News

Woman Killed In SJ Nursing Home Crash Identified

SAN JOSE (CBS SF) -- A San Jose nursing home resident who was killed after an elderly woman drove through a bay window into the home's common room Saturday morning has been identified.

Esther Bocanegra, 88, a resident at the Amberwood Gardens home in the 1600 block of Peterson Avenue, succumbed to her injuries Saturday, according to the Santa Clara County medical examiner's office.

Five other residents and one employee were also injured in the
crash, which was reported at 9:45 a.m., San Jose police said.

KCBS' Mark Seelig Reports:

All seven victims were taken to local hospitals, but according to police, it was initially believed the injuries were not life threatening.

About 10 or 12 people were in the common room when the woman, who is 90, apparently hit the gas pedal instead of the brake, Sgt. Jason Dwyer said. The driver was not injured in the crash.

The woman doesn't live at Amberwood Gardens and was apparently on her way to visit someone there, Dwyer said. She was interviewed by officers and released at the scene. The cause of the crash is unde investigation.

A spokesperson for the nursing home did not return calls seeking comment.

The fire department responded to the crash with three engines, a truck and a battalion chief, San Jose fire Capt. Mary Gutierrez said.

The nursing home did not need to be evacuated, Dwyer said.

This incident marks San Jose's 15th traffic-related fatality of
the year.

Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the San Jose Police Department's Traffic Investigations Unit at (408) 277-4654.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services may have contributed to this report)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.