Coventry, RI — Five children were hospitalized with minor injuries Monday afternoon after a car crashed through a fence and into the playground of Child Care Plus, police said.
Crash Details
The incident occurred around 4:45 p.m. at Child Care Plus, located on Tiogue Avenue. According to Coventry police, the vehicle first struck large boulders before breaking through a fence along South Main Street and coming to rest in the back of the facility’s playground.
Central Coventry Fire Chief Kevin Cady said 12 to 15 children were outside at the time, ranging from kindergarten to fifth grade. Five children, ages 7 and 8, were transported to Hasbro Children’s Hospital and Kent Hospital with scrapes and bruises.
Response from First Responders
Parents quickly arrived on the scene, and first responders from multiple jurisdictions assisted with triage and transport. The driver, a woman traveling with her two young children, remained at the scene and cooperated with officers. All three were checked and released, according to the child care center’s owner.
Witnesses described the aftermath. Stephen Miller, owner of Longshore Coffee across the street, said to Turnto10:
“I heard a loud bang, turned and saw the car was through the fence. I saw two children getting out of the back seat of the car.”
Justin Czar, owner of Liberty Fence, which installed the fence about 10 years ago, noted:
“It’s a good thing that they hit that pole. Probably could have been far worse.”
Child Care Center Response
Child Care Plus owner Steven Lawton released a statement thanking first responders and praising staff for quickly moving children indoors.
“Thank you again for your support and the outpouring of care that you have all shown to the children affected, the first responders and our staff. We are so proud of the immediate actions of our staff in the professionalism they displayed in a very difficult situation. The driver of the vehicle and her two young children were checked and released; we appreciate the driver’s willingness to communicate with the officers on scene. The five children transported are currently being evaluated, and we will continue to monitor and support their families as needed. WE ARE A FAMILY. We will be open tomorrow regular hours. All children will be having indoor recess in the indoor play area for the immediate future. We will take any and all actions needed to ensure the safety of our children, as nothing is more important to us.”
Lawton also said Child Care Plus will reopen Tuesday, with recess moved indoors for the time being.
Investigation and Safety Precautions
Police stated that the investigation is ongoing, and no charges have been filed at this time. Authorities urge parents and community members to exercise caution around school and playground zones to prevent similar accidents.
Community Safety Reminder
Accidents like this highlight the importance of:
- Safe driving near schools and child care centers
- Proper fencing and barriers around playgrounds
- Emergency preparedness and staff training in child care facilities
First responders and school staff play a critical role in ensuring children’s safety during unexpected incidents, and quick action can prevent serious injuries.
Have you witnessed a vehicle accident near a school or playground? What safety measures do you think should be in place to protect children? Share your experiences and suggestions in the comments below.
